Sideline Warning

[OverAndBack]

How do you physically call the sideline warning? What's the mechanic?

[FootballRef05]

Here in Western NY we throw the flag on the first infraction even though there is no yardage, the R gives the sideline warning signal, the wing explains no yardage this time and the game goes on.

[Warrenkicker]

Here we throw the flag and while R is signalling the press box the wing who threw the flag is signalling the sideline.

[Jim D]

In Missouri, although they do want the only three coaches in the box rule enforced, we've been told it's no problem if the coach steps on to the field to signal in or give a new play to the QB as long as he returns to the box as soon as he's done. What they don't want is the coach to maintain a position on the field during the play.

[DJ_NV]

IMO, (in Fed) it's an important part of the mechanic to throw the flag. We had this debate a year or so ago in our association because some thought that it's just a warning and not a foul and therefore no flag was needed.

I disagree. It's important to remember that this is a foul, and there is a prescribed penalty by rule. It's just that the penalty for the first offense is a warning. More importantly, we can't disregard the psychological effect that the flag has on both sidelines even though no yardage is assessed.
So get that flag up there where everyone can see it, just do it early and be aware of the game tempo, momentum, etc. when you do it and it's a very effective, though underutilized tool that we have at our disposal.

[FootballRef05]

Originally Posted by DJ_NV

IMO, (in Fed) it's an important part of the mechanic to throw the flag. We had this debate a year or so ago in our association because some thought that it's just a warning and not a foul and therefore no flag was needed.

I disagree. It's important to remember that this is a foul, and there is a prescribed penalty by rule. It's just that the penalty for the first offense is a warning. More importantly, we can't disregard the psychological effect that the flag has on both sidelines even though no yardage is assessed.
So get that flag up there where everyone can see it, just do it early and be aware of the game tempo, momentum, etc. When you do it and it's a very effective, though underutilized tool that we have at our disposal.

Well put DJ, we had the same debate in out chapter last year and the state finally agreed and said to throw the flag!

[Jim D]

I agree with tossing the flag. The Mechanics Manual indicates no flag but the NFHS pre-season handout from last year said throw the flag. I think throwing a flag adds weight to the warning.