Sideline

While we have had some very experienced officials keeping a good 2-yard break between the sideline and coaches box this has not been happening with the newer officials. While we encourage them to ask you to take a few steps back from the sideline the actual measurement we deal with is 2 yards. This is an Occupational Health and Safety issue and really giving teams 1 reminder each week is enough. This is our zone to work in without fear of running into any person standing close to the sideline.

Both sides are marked with a white line and while a play is going all sideline personnel must be behind the white line. Between plays coaches may enter between the sidelines to talk to players but he must not enter onto the field of play without permission from the Referee. Substitutes coming on and off the field can also enter through the 2-yard area but must be behind the white line when the play is running.

At worse if an official contacts someone standing on the sideline the team will be penalised 15 yards for illegal interference in a play. The potential for injury to an official is far greater causing significant injury and possibly career ending. Please ensure you stay off the sideline paying particular attention when teams are passing the ball, punting the ball or on kick-offs as the official’s attention is on fast moving players going through his zone.

Grant Martin