injury timeout

[ajmc]

When there is a prolonged injury TO there usually will be someone down either on, or extremely near the playing field. The rules allow for the teams to either stay on the field, or retreat to their sidelines and it's more a factor of common sense to send them to their team area, rather than keep them on the field milling about.

As suggested above, it allows the coaching staff easier access to supervise and control their players and possibly even tend to other nicks, bruises or other needs. It also reduces the chances of opponents milling about getting involved in discussions that are best avoided.

Officials should also avoid milling about or congregating. The Umpire is responsible for the ball, each wing should be observing his sideline and the Referee is watching the entire drama play itself out assuring that medical personnel have access to the injured player.