Clear Sidelines

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by GoodScout

...Having a coach on the field during live play is illegal participation, and it's 15 yards instantly. No warnings, no nothing.

REPLY: GoodScout...I agree that a coach being on the field is technically not subject to a sideline warning, although some use this as a means of showing that there will be no toleration for it while still avoiding a flag. It's a good way to get their attention.

However, it's also not illegal participation. It's really unsportsmanlike conduct--a succeeeding spot enforcement rather than the all-but-one live ball enforcement that IP would result in. See NF 9-8-1i. Unless of course, the coach on the field blocks someone or gets in the way so that play is affected. Then it would be IP. But if he's on the field and not impacting a play in progress, it's USC.