Sidelines

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by Reffing Rev.

This season

4 Varsity games = 1 Sideline Warning
6 Sub-Varsity games = 7 Sideline Warnings + 1 5-yard Sideline Interference + 1 15 yard unintentional contact in the restricted area.

The problem here is that varsity coaches are required to attend rules meetings and they get books, but sub-varsity coaches get their rules knowledge from television, and their understanding of the rules when they played years ago.

I think it's important to remember that most Friday night coaches start out as sub-varsity coaches. If we teach them the rule when they're coaching on Mondays and Thursdays, they'll know what's expected when they make it to Friday nights.

I see many officials doing a big disservice to themselves and their fellow officials by not enforcing the sidelines during the week the same way they would on a Friday night.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

I think it's important to remember that most Friday night coaches start out as sub-varsity coaches. If we teach them the rule when they're coaching on Mondays and Thursdays, they'll know what's expected when they make it to Friday nights.

I see many officials doing a big disservice to themselves and their fellow officials by not enforcing the sidelines during the week the same way they would on a Friday night.

That's my point exactly. Some schools hire mainly newer officials to work on Thursdays. That's fine -- they have to get experience somewhere. And a lot of newer officials who aren't being mentored or supported would rather "not see" the coach who's 5 steps on the field after every play.

But my crew only works as a crew -- when I talk to ADs (all nonvarsity games are assigned by the schools here) I won't take games unless we can work it as a crew because that gives us the chance to work on things on a night other than Friday. If they only have 1-2 spots open (some hire single officials until they have 4 hired), I pass.

And our philosophy on sideline control doesn't change from Thursday to Friday night to Saturday morning. We work off the field and expect to have a clear lane to move without having to look for and avoid players and coaches. If we don't get that after reminding them once or twice, we use the flag to get the point across.

[HLin NC]

Most coaches have adapted to the rule fine. There is the occasional lapse in judgment/memory but a verbal or a sideline warning flag usually takes care of it.

I still hear the occasional, "Wish they'd pay attention to what's on the field instead of us".

I've yet to have a contact foul in the restricted area although there have been a couple of close calls.

[Canned Heat]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

That's my point exactly. Some schools hire mainly newer officials to work on Thursdays. That's fine -- they have to get experience somewhere. And a lot of newer officials who aren't being mentored or supported would rather "not see" the coach who's 5 steps on the field after every play.

But my crew only works as a crew -- when I talk to ADs (all nonvarsity games are assigned by the schools here) I won't take games unless we can work it as a crew because that gives us the chance to work on things on a night other than Friday. If they only have 1-2 spots open (some hire single officials until they have 4 hired), I pass.

And our philosophy on sideline control doesn't change from Thursday to Friday night to Saturday morning. We work off the field and expect to have a clear lane to move without having to look for and avoid players and coaches. If we don't get that after reminding them once or twice, we use the flag to get the point across.

I still work a bit of youth on Saturdays here in WI. Seems like the lower the level (8th grade to 5th grade)...the more assistant coaches (i.e.: dads) are there. As you're all aware of first-hand, most of these coaches have never seen a rule book, and most think they're the next Vince Lombardi.

In WI here, we have been instructed (at least at our meeting, Rich) to emphasize this revised sideline rule and we do just that. We've been fairly instructional early on with FR/JV and youth levels. I do agree that we've had some really good work by our varsity coaching staffs...some even have an assistant coach that does little more than watch and clear the box. We have yet to have a flag or a sideline issue...knock on wood.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Canned Heat

I still work a bit of youth on Saturdays here in WI. Seems like the lower the level (8th grade to 5th grade)...the more assistant coaches (i.e.: dads) are there. As you're all aware of first-hand, most of these coaches have never seen a rule book, and most think they're the next Vince Lombardi.

In WI here, we have been instructed (at least at our meeting, Rich) to emphasize this revised sideline rule and we do just that. We've been fairly instructional early on with FR/JV and youth levels. I do agree that we've had some really good work by our varsity coaching staffs...some even have an assistant coach that does little more than watch and clear the box. We have yet to have a flag or a sideline issue...knock on wood.

The flag isn't our first option.

We remind the coach before the game (the wing on that side includes that as they get acquainted before the game) and the wing usually talks to him once or twice before anything more drastic happens.

Yesterday, we were met with attitude. My response? Hey, we're trying to work with you, to help you. If you want to give attitude back, though, I guess we'll have to flag you.

[movingthechains]

I tend to have more problems with JV and Fresh than Varsity. Varsity teams out here usually have a "get back" coach which helps. Dont have too many problems at the Pop Warner level. One thing Ive learned as a flank is to just go ahead and bang them early with the free warning which sometimes works well. R and U also discuss the sideline during pregame with coaches, and then when I introduce myself to the head coach on my sideline I mention the rule. With the rule change this year, it has made it easier. Ive had more problems with photographers and bystanders getting close to the field than coaches.

[grunewar]

Does the NCAA have a rule about coaches on the field? I see coaches, 10, 15, 20 yards on the field to get the Official's attention or to "help."

Just curious.

[Sonofanump]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Does the NCAA have a rule about coaches on the field? I see coaches, 10, 15, 20 yards on the field to get the Official's attention or to "help."

Just curious.

Yes, we have box that is all ours.
No "Sideline Warning", it is a yardage foul from the first flag.