Originally Posted by Canned Heat (Post 622116)

A week ago in WI at our WIAA meeting, there was a transparency that showed examples of coaches, players, stat boys, and photographers listed as people that will not be allowed in the box. From that, and the discussion that followed, it was my understanding that the sideline team is responsible for their area.

Rich or anyone else from WI...is that what you were lead to believe..?

Originally Posted by ajmc (Post 621629)

This is how a discussion can digress to being extreme. I suspect, and would certainly hope, everyone is going to try and work with coaches regarding this rule revision to make it work. I don't think there is any need to alter the current sequence of gentle reminder, followed by a series of sterner reminders until there is reasonable compliance. The new rule might just make the overall interval somewhat shorter

I would expect a visitng coach to notice a photographer in the restriced area, before we might, and would want him out of that area. He might even look for assistance from a wing official if there was a problem. Obviously this would be a game management issue, but if we could be of assistance inconspicuously, we should help.

Charm is likely our best option, but if that fails I've found offering the annoying visitor a choice usually works. He can choose standing where I ask him to stand, or he can stand on the other side of whatever barrier separates the playing field from the spectators. If he's a real jerk, I'll simply stop the game until he removes himself, or game management has him removed. None of that is anything new.

The area more likely to present a photographer in the way problem is in the area of the goal line extended and around the EZ. Most will respond to a gentle reminder, but all MUST respond eventually.

Originally Posted by GBFBUmp (Post 622715)

Lots of guff from coaches at the meeting, but only 1 that was frothing at the mouth. :eek: