injury timeout
 

A fellow official and I were discussing if teams had to stay on the field of play during a prolonged injury timeout if they go to their sideline. I seemed to remember that they had to (but might be getting it confused with a "typical" timeout) and he disagreed with me. I couldn't find support for either of out cases in the rule or case book. Can someone help me with a ruling and references?

This is an official's timeout. You can send them wherever you want to send them if the injury or time takes an extended period of time. Use common sense. It makes more sense so the coaches can talk to their players and in many cases get hydrated, which early in the year is the main reason we use these moments to have players get water.

Peace

The restrictions on conferences from 2-6 apply during injury timeouts. See also 9.8.1 SITUATION L, which tacitly references those restrictions:

"9.8.1 SITUATION L: During an official’s time-out for injury, may a player(s) of
either team go near the sideline to communicate with the coach? RULING: Yes.
This is a period between downs. If a coach enters the field to attend the injured
player, he may not confer with players. (9-8-1f Note)"

Canadian Ruling
 

CANADIAN RULING:

At first understanding of a prolonged delay, I will instruct both teams to their benches, if they so desire. Or they can stay on the field at that point. I mean, what do I care?

Also, to think that we have any authority telling players were there can go, or can't go, is beyond me.

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.