Sideline Warning/Sideline Interference

[grantsrc]

It's about consistency. Unfortunately we, as officials, aren't very consistent at the lower levels. Many state associations strive for more consistent philosophy and application but unfortunately many guys take liberties with how strict they enforce certain rules (sidelines and uniforms are perfect examples).

I'm a huge fan of SLW for a couple of reasons. First, it's just a warning and carries no penalty. If you have a coach that is a step or two out on the field during a live ball (and doesn't hit me or impact the play), I talk to him, the HC, or the GBC and remind him that he needs to be off the field of play during the LB. If he is out there again, SLW. Second, it sets a tone early on in the game that you are consistent and will enforce and adhere to the rules. Coaches are smart. They want to see how much they can get away with and sidelines are no different. Third, it is a safety factor for you, the coaches, and the players. Case in point, the lawsuit involving the official in Texas that ran into a coach. Unfortunately this is a worst case scenario but this one case is enough for me to strictly enforce the sideline rules.

Couple of things about dealing with sidelines and this is something I work on improving on each and every year. You need to be cooperative, not confrontational, but still direct and to the point. I always try to seek out the GBC and HC before the game, introduce myself, briefly go over my sideline expectations, and always tell them that I appreciate their help and if I ever have anything that needs addressing, I will seek them out first. Not sure if it's 100% effective, but that's what I do.

As for throwing a SLW on a screaming coach, I've done that three times. Two of those times, the coach was out on the field close to if not past the numbers, and I tried to be a nice guy and save him the 15 yards. In hindsight, I probably should have gone the 15 yard route, but I don't think there is any harm in using a SLW the first time this happens. Don't pass on it, something should be done the first time. The other time I used a SLW was when I had an assistant coach that was up behind mind yelling at me about something, trying to show me up/intimidate me. I used a SLW on that one to remind him of the coaching box and to show that that type of behavior was unnecessary. Is that the correct usage of a SLW? Probably not but he got the message.

As another poster said, the rules have changed for this year and I personally think the changes are excellent. No more having to worry about how many coaches are in the box, am I going to run into them, so on and so forth. And correct me if I am wrong, didn't they remove throwing the flag from the NFHS mechanics for the warning last year? Or did they add throwing the flag for the warning? That might be it. I personally am in favor of throwing the flag as it sends a direct message to the sideline that a warning has been issued.

Sideline interaction maybe the most challenging aspect of officiating. You are never going to make everyone happy although there are certain behaviors that will most certainly alienate almost every coach.