What's the Point?

[BayStateRef]

Originally posted by tarheelcoach
(it can certainly be argued that in that situation his standing qualifies as a spontaneous display of emotion),

From now on I'll give my assistant a gentle shove back on the bench before the ref sees him!

Unfortunately, the coach does not know the rule. It does not allow standing for a "spontaneous display of emotion." Rather it is quite specific about when bench personnel may stand: "Rise in front of their seat to spontaneously react to an outstanding play by a member of their team...but must immediately return to their seat"

This may seem petty, but it shows the slippery slope that coaches (and players) get into. They sort of know the rule, but not really. The asst. coach was not reacting to a great play; he was yelling for his team to foul. Certainly emotional...but clearly not even close to being covered by the rule.