I do have to add that since I started staying off the field, I have had quite a few close encounters with coaches in the coaching box. I now tell the coaches that if I hit them it is unintentional and that I may throw a flag and give a sideline warning to remind them to give me some room to work.

I only have one problem with this sideline warning, even with the coaches who are entitled to the box. We had a few incidents where the coaches didn't get out of the way, even though they were in the box, and the wing guys would throw a sideline warning flag. The head coaches who got those flags called the supervisor of officials and had some issues about this. We were told in our meetings that if we had a problem, to remember that they were in their box and just need to be warned, even if it has to be more than once. We were told we could NOT throw a sideline warning flag as long as the coaches remained in the box. I was like, that's a load of bull, so what I've done is give them a verbal "reminder" first and then if they still got in my way, I'd would give them a "I may be old, but tougher than nails" line to give them the idea I'm not beyond running them over if I have to.