High school football fans in Alabama may notice an increase in sideline warnings and some unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that seem to come out of nowhere during the first couple of weeks this season. Hopefully this will explain why.
The AHSAA has come down hard on football officials about enforcing sideline management rules. According to the rules a maximum of three coaches are allowed in the coaches' box. The coaches box is the two yard wide strip between the sideline and the team box that extends between the 25 yard lines. Officials have been directed to enforce this. The first time that more than three coaches are in the box the officials are to give a sideline warning. The second time it happens is a 5 yard sideline interference penalty. The third and subsequent times that it happens is a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. In addition, no coach is allowed to cross the sideline. The AHSAA has instructed its officials to flag the head coach for unsportsmanlike conduct on each occasion that a coach (head coach or assistant) crosses the sideline. This includes the long time practice of a coach going a few steps onto the field to give the play to the quarterback.
When you see this happen, please do not get mad at the official who dropped the flag. Most officials do not particularly like this decision. However, they do not have a choice in the matter.
The AHSAA has come down hard on football officials about enforcing sideline management rules. According to the rules a maximum of three coaches are allowed in the coaches' box. The coaches box is the two yard wide strip between the sideline and the team box that extends between the 25 yard lines. Officials have been directed to enforce this. The first time that more than three coaches are in the box the officials are to give a sideline warning. The second time it happens is a 5 yard sideline interference penalty. The third and subsequent times that it happens is a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. In addition, no coach is allowed to cross the sideline. The AHSAA has instructed its officials to flag the head coach for unsportsmanlike conduct on each occasion that a coach (head coach or assistant) crosses the sideline. This includes the long time practice of a coach going a few steps onto the field to give the play to the quarterback.
When you see this happen, please do not get mad at the official who dropped the flag. Most officials do not particularly like this decision. However, they do not have a choice in the matter.
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