As a first year official, this has been the most challenging aspect of working the wings this year. I have worked HL only a handful of games, the rest at U but I'm slowly starting to learn how to manage a sideline. It definitely isn't easy.
The last time I worked HL at a Freshman game, I was having trouble with the players (and as a result the coaches) crowding my chain crew. During one break, I asked the HC to please keep the sideline clear so my crew could have room to work but unfortunately he brushed me off. A few plays later, the sideline was crowded again.
Their team took possession of the football and on the next play, threw a long pass completion to the opposite sideline. Seeing my opportunity, I tossed my flag high and after the play, took my time reporting to the Referee. I could hear the anxious chatter of my sideline, "What was the flag for? Are we losing all those yards?!"
I told my R, "Sideline warning on my sideline please." The R came over, gave the sideline warning while I asked the coach again to please make room for my chain crew so they can safely do their job. This did the trick. Immediately the HC belted out to his players, "All of you behind this line and if you cross it, take your gear off because you're done for the night!" You could have driven an 18-wheeler down my sideline the rest of the night.
