Injury Timeout

[don16954]

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the proper procedure during an injury timeout in our association. Some officials advise a team that they are to remain in the huddle, and cannot go over to the coach on the sidelines. These officials feel this is their timeout for the speciifc purpose of an inury, and for game control purposes, the teams should be ready to go on the field as soon as the injured player is removed. Others feel, that since there is no alleged rule or procedure specifically addressing the handling of the timeout, that this no different than a charged timeout nor is it any different than players going over to the sideline between plays. They feel that as long as the team is aware play will start with or without them on the whistle, they should be allowed to go to the sideline and converse with the coach during the timeout.

Please give me your input as well as any federation rules, case book scenarios or manual procedures that supports your point of view.

Thanks.