Injury Times Outs

[gberry]

When you have an official's time out do you allow both teams to go to their sidelines to confer with their coaches?

There is disagreement in our association. Some say this is not permitted. Others say that this is permitted as long as the coaches do not cross the sideline onto the field. Their rationale is that we allow player to go to the sideline to confer with their coach between plays (as long as they don't cause a delay of game) and that doing this during an official's time out for an injury is no different.

What say you?

[RoyGardner]

Our R's will allow the teams to the sidelines without restrictions only when it is apparent that there will be a significant delay (usually a major injury or the like). At all other times during an official's TO we have teams stay on the field in their huddles.

[JasonTX]

There is nothing in the NCAA rule to prohibit this. They can go wherever they want just the same as a team timeout. As Roy said, if it appears that it will only be a short delay then there isn't much need for the teams to go to the sideline, but if the coach wants them over there then they are free to do so but he needs to know that we aren't waiting for them to get the game resumed.

[Jim D]

During a time out or while the clock is running, there is no rule that affects a player or players ability to go wherever they choose on the field of play provided -
a) No encroachment
b) No illegal conference (coach comes on the field - others can't go to the sideline (but can go near it)

If they go to the sideline during an official's time out, the ready for play should not be delayed. When the situation is resolved, give the ready for play and start the 25 second clock.

[MJT]

It is not a problem if you have your wings over there to tell them when you have 15 seconds til the RFP. You are looking for trouble if you limit this if it is not abused. We are there to allow the game to run smoothly, meaning let the players play, coaches coach, and we mediate the game to have it played fairly. Don't try to be more important than the players and coaches by being so authoritative.

[whitehat52]

This exact situation is covered by the casebook 9.8.1M. Yes, a player or players may go to the sideline to confer with a coach or coaches during an injury timeout.