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In Texas, we've had a huge emphasis on sideline control this year after 5 members of the San Antonio chapter were sued for a coach (who came out on the field) that was injured when one of them ran into him. Let's not deviate the discussion into the legal realm here (all 5 were dismissed from the suit), but that got TASO very interested in getting everyone back.
First, our chapter secretary sent out a note to all schools and ADs saying we would vigorously enforce the sideline rule (NCAA; fed may differ) in ALL levels. Second, we make it a point to let all benches know before the game. Third, we flag (2 warnings, then 5, then 15) early and often, if necessary. There's not much the coach can do when the state association has our back on this. They can't scratch guys or complain to the state for us enforcing the rules.
I've had few troubles when I've been on the wings and only marginal issues with my crew mates when I'm the R. You have to explain to them that its a safety issue for them and us, it is a rule like anything else, and we must enforce it whether they agree with it or like it. I tell them that I'll talk to them the whole game if they'll listen, but if they don't, the flag comes out. They moan, but they do get back. A few weeks ago, the bench had been doing a decent job of listening and then, boom, on an interception return for a TD (their team scoring), the bench came too far out and so did my flag. The rest of the game, they were choir boys -- practically in the stands!
Throw the flag for the warning. It DOES work. The other thing that works if you've been talking to coaches all night to to tell the players, "guys, scoot back; you're pushing up the coaches." At that point, you'll hear 5 coaches yelling "get back, get back." Too many (in my view) coaches are of the view "do what I say, and ignore what I do," and this is one example. They'll be glad to tell players to get back, but they don't like you telling them to.
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