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Originally Posted by DJ_NV
Remember to always throw your flag for an official sideline warning. Just because the first one is "free", doesn't make it any less of a penalty per the rulebook
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We go with no flag for the sideline warning. Is this correct under Fed mechanics? (Personally, I think there should be a flag, however, what I think does not amount to very much.)
Anyway, my theories on the sideline warning:
1. It is a 'freebie' for them. They don't lose yardarge on the first one, so do not be afraid of giving it to them.
2. Discuss it with your referee in the pregame. Not saying you should call it in advance, but have the confidence that he will back you up 100% on it. I know mine will, so that makes it easier for me to call one knowing that he will not, in any way, question its validity.
3. Don't kill the other team's momentum with it. In other words, A is putting together a long drive. The 4th coach puts his toenail in the box for B. At this point, I would not stop A's momentum and give B a 'free' timeout as a result of their doing something 'illegal.'
4. Teams are usually (95% of the time) not upset at you for giving one. In my not very long career I have not had many. One time, out of all of those, I got a snide, under-the-breath comment from the coach (something to the effect of "worry about what's happening on the field, not on the bench"). All the other times, the coaches have gotten on the players and I have gotten a lot more room over there.