Coaching from behind bench - NFHS Rules

Brian Smith · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 13, 2004, 09:49am

So that I render an appropriate response to one of our officials who made the inquiry, I'd like to gather input from the board on his question of me:

Under Federation Rules, a varsity coach chose to stand behind the bench during the match - leaving the 2 assistant coaches on the bench to play a more active role (e.g. - they were the ones to request T.O.'s/subs). The official asking for the interpretation indicated that the coach had "spoken with the state's Rules Interpreter" who purportedly indicated this behavior would not constitution a sanction. (I was not able to confirm that yet - but I have my doubts - the state assn rules interpreter and I have never disagreed with each other).

So, my position would be under Fed. Rule 12-2-5, "coaches shall remain SEATED on the bench during the game except to: [and in this scenario - none of the exceptions is met].
Further, after preventive officiating to rein the coach back to their seat fails, I would look to Rule 12-2-7(k), which lists "Illegally leaving the designated bench during the game" as unsportsmanlike conduct - per se.

*This coach is widely recognized as exceptional good, and I believe even coaches at the collegiate level (although even under NCAA Rule 5-2-4a coaches may stand directly IN FRONT OF... their bench). Anything I may have missed on this before I respond to our official?

** And yes, you may have noted - we are still playing HS VB here in Michigan for what may be the last winter - pending a decision from the US Supreme CT.

Brian

FMadera · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 13, 2004, 10:05am

Well, it all depends. Who represented the team at the coin toss? If the varsity coach was at the coin toss, then he is the "head coach" during that match, and would be the only person I, as an official, would listen to. I don't take sub or time out requests from assistant coaches.

Now, if one of the assistants was at the coin toss, then certainly I would listen to any of their requests, as they would be the head coach for that match.

Was the varsity coach coaching from behind the bench, or silently watching? If he was coaching, then we have someone coaching while not seated, and either he would have to sit on the bench or refrain from coaching (assuming he was standing behind, and not in bleachers located behind the team bench with other people in the stands).

MCBear · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 13, 2004, 01:08pm

Brian, I would recommend that you contact Gina directly for this interpretation. Over the 10 years that I officiated in Michigan, I found that many times, the state interpretation differed from the one given in other areas of the country.

As you have already noted, the only legal times when the coach is allowed to be off the bench are those listed in Rule 12.2.5. Unless the coach could show me in writing that the state has said he could be off the bench other than those times, he had better be seated. Then, as you have noted, Rule 12.2.7.k would be applicable if he just can't stay seated.

Felix, good to see you, my friend!

In a similar situation, I have asked for clarification concerning players standing behind the bench from 0-25. I cannot in good conscience see where the rules allow that to happen and I want to see if what has been posted on the other discussion board is accurate or if we are being led down the primrose path.

Brian Smith · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 13, 2004, 01:27pm

I've now collected a more information on what that coach was told, and once again, I agree with the interpretation, although not all of that was conveyed to the official by the coach: yes, a coach could relocate themselves to behind the bench, but at that point, they are no longer a coach - they would be an observer. No requests or efforts to "coach" the team should be permitted from them while there. (See how the coach failed to mention that part to the official....)

What remains nagging in my mind, is if the coach simply moved to this position, leaving an assistant on the bench, without either indicated to the official or even requesting such move. Sure, we would use preventive officiating to diffuse a sanction, but I certainly can invision an official utilizing Rule 12.2.7(k) as a the basis for sanctioning the coach who moves there without prior knowledge by the official.

Jan and Felix - thanks for the insights - we'll pass this along to the coach and officials for tonight's match.

MCBear · #5 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 13, 2004, 04:38pm

Perhaps one way is to use preventive officiating during the prematch conference. Since the seat-belt rule is one of the points of emphasis this year (at least it is in the PowerPoint presentation), simply say "Since NF is emphasizing this year when the coach may legally be off the bench, if you are off the bench for a reason other than those that are allowed, you are taking the risk of being warned and/or possible sanction."

Obviously, we do not want to create a negative environment, but by the same token, we need to let the coaches know what is acceptable and what is not.