Detroit Free Press article of interest...

[Amesman]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Me too, but to be honest, the comment in the article about the occasional official or player tripping over the wheelchair makes me cringe.

I'm with Rich here. Having had a father in a wheelchair for many years, there is no way I'd want that thing too close to a sideline, especially if it juts out from a standard bleacher seat or chair line. This could be a heckuvan injury waiting to happen (player, official and coach herself alike).

The "Who gets to call timeout?/Who's in the box?" questions are no-brainers. You have somebody with a severe physical handicap and you make reasonable accommodations for it (hello, Americans with Disabilities Act).

But back to the wheelchair. The coach's chair should be mandated to be flush with any other chair/seating line (including wooden bleacher seats). If necessary, she can sit on said bleacher. Collapse the wheelchair into the space next to or behind her. It shouldn't be a major problem to pop it out for any "traveling" needs (i.e. to the locker room, restroom, etc.). Her players can come to her during the game. That would be sensible accommodation on her part (especially after she's been given due consideration, as mentioned in the previous paragraph).