Clear Sidelines

[Texas Aggie]

The NCAA has eliminated the warning, so in Texas now, its 5 yards on the first offense. Last year, Texas made a HUGE deal about sidelines and for the most part, things worked pretty well, even into the subvarsity level. As R this year, I will be telling my crew to strictly enforce the sideline rule in the pregame and I will also inform the coaches in our meetings that the rule will be enforced.

I recommend that in a varsity game, you have your R request from the head coach a "get back" coach. I don't care if he's an actual coach (trainer is OK), just as long as it is someone the players and coaches listen to. That way all the wing official has to do is say, "coach, get 'em back" and hopefully, he will get everyone back. Beyond that, give a verbal warning once, then throw the flag on the next play if its not heeded.