Coach going across the field

[WestCoaster]

Originally Posted by Rich

First off, an authorized conference during a timeout can't be held in that location (in front of an opponent's bench) so if you wish to find a rule, there's one. That's enforced as UNS, BTW.

Secondly, the officials have wide latitude for calling UNS in just about any situation where it's warranted. Doesn't sound like the visit was to discuss where the coaches were going for afternoon tea.

Thirdly, the swipe against baseball umpires is unnecessary. I'm a baseball umpire and a football official. My role is no different on either field.

This is correct. The rules governing this situation are in 2-6-2. This coach is allowed on the field during a timeout. We see unauthorized conferences all the time, either a sideline conference that wanders outside the numbers or a between the nine conference where more than one coach comes out. We correct these situations with a warning, and if they comply and correct the error immediately, no flag is thrown. This situation is the same. He should be warned that he may not be past the hash mark on the opponents side of the field, and if he doesn't comply, he should be flagged for USC. The fact that no one stopped or warned him makes it a stretch for me to flag him in this situation.