Sideline Warning/Sideline Interference

[ajmc]

Sometimes, I think "Consistency" is the most misunderstood, misapplied word in our language, at least the football part of language. The reality is "we" only control consistency over the way "we" behave. That's not to say we don't strive to follow uniform mechanics and a standard set of rules, but every game is unique from whistle to whistle.

Personally, I agree that the objective of trying to manage a game, with all it's little personality quirks, with as little interference as possible is what we are there for. Using a SLW as a prelude to, or replacement for, what might otherwise be an USC foul even though it may not have been specifically intended for that purpose, may well be a smart approach to handling a correctable situation with the least amount of punishment.

Whatever circumstances you may be dealing with are absolutely unique. For any number of reasons there are so many variables in every confrontational situation, each one has to be handled individually. What may have happened in similar situations before, may well guide you, but it shouldn't restrict your flexibility of adjusting to suit the circumstances.

Consistency is important in that you treat both teams, players and coaches alike. That you apply judgments with the same sense of compliance, with the written rules, to both team equally. It also requires that you give each team, all players and coaches the same "benefit of the doubt"as much as possible.

We all know no two circumstances, even within a single game, are exactly alike, why should we or some coach expect something that happened last week, with different people, govern this week's reaction to different circumstances. Application of the rules should be consistent but the judgments governing the applications should be dependent on the specific circumstances of a particular situation, which are ALWAYS different.

[jaybird]

Grant,
They added throwing a flag for a sideline warning last year.

[grantsrc]

Originally Posted by jaybird

Grant,
They added throwing a flag for a sideline warning last year.

Thanks, I thought that was it but couldn't remember.

[KWH]

Grant-
Great post.
-Kevin

[Forksref]

I love the new rule that moves the coaches back 2 yds during a live ball. I had a feeling that could be coming when they moved the chains back a couple years ago. Safety is a larger issue now with lawsuits being filed. A few years ago a chain guy in SD was killed on a sideline play.

Another side effect might be less hassle from coaches because they are farther from the play and can't see it as well. OOPS! Silly ME!

[HLin NC]

Problem forks- define "when the ball is about to become live". That's what I hate- just clearly define the rule like the NCAA and be done with it.

[KWH]

HLin NC- It is not necessary to determine how to define "when the ball is about to become live" as you suggest. Both of the new rules use the phrase "when the ball is live!" And, we have a current definition of a live ball. (2-1-2).

The two new rules are:

1-2-3g...Team boxes shall be marked on each side of the field outside the coaches'area between the 25-yard lines for use by coaches, substitutes, athletic trainers, etc., affiliated with the team. The coaches' area is a minimum of a 2-yard belt between the front of the team box and the sideline, and becomes a restricted area when the ball is live.

9-8-3...A nonplayer shall not be outside his team box unless to become a player or to return as a replaced player. A maximum of three coaches may be in the restricted area. No player, non-player or coach shall be in the restricted area when the ball is live.