Those who question or challenge the revised sideline rule - did you stop to question what forced such a change? Who do you think is responsible ?

 

Coaches have the best view in the house - there is no one between them and the field - be it if they are planted on the white line or 2 yds. behind it.

With due respect doctor, you couldn't be more wrong. Compared to the old rule, the only change is simple. Now the three permitted coaches from last year must now also be in the coaches box when the ball is alive. So arguments about space, site lines, everything else, are just smoke screens. If there was room for the old rule, there is room for 3 more people. And I suspect the officials will be held very accountable for making sure the rule is observed.

 

It is my understanding that sideline enforcement was a POINT OF EMPHASIS charged to them last year. Further, it is also believed that they were advised Playoff Assignments would be predicated on how well they "controlled their sidelines."

Compared to the old rule, the only change is simple. Now the three permitted coaches from last year must now also be in the coaches box when the ball is alive. So arguments about space, site lines, everything else, are just smoke screens. If there was room for the old rule, there is room for 3 more people.

 

I agree 100%.

Well, up until this rule change the "coaches area" was between the sideline and the "team box". The team box is situated six feet (2 yards) outside the sideline and between the 25 yard lines. The team box was required to be marked, and by inference, I guess the "coaches area" was marked.

 

Now, the team box will still be required, but the six feet (two yards) between the sideline and the team box will be off-limits to everybody but officials while the ball is live.

 

Make sense?

 

We use the 2 yard rule in college, and it works great!!! I don't have to worry about what's going on behind me or on either side of me during a play. As a wing official, I welcome it! :thumb:

It is my understanding that sideline enforcement was a POINT OF EMPHASIS charged to them last year. Further, it is also believed that they were advised Playoff Assignments would be predicated on how well they "controlled their sidelines."

 

From what I saw, enforcement was very inconsistent this past year. Even so from sideline to sideline in the same game. This has to change for this to really work.

From what I saw, enforcement was very inconsistent this past year. Even so from sideline to sideline in the same game. This has to change for this to really work.

 

I tell every player and coach on my sideline immediately before kickoff that the 2 yard belt, which is marked white on some fields, is mine, and I will not tolerate anyone in that area "during" a play. If I have a problem with a player and/or coach, trust me, I have no problem issuing a sideline warning or a harsher penalty if necessary. In Northern Ky, we have been utilizing the 2 yard belt for the chain crew and teams for a few years now. IMO, we have been pretty consistent with that mechanic. Offside, what do you think?

Speaking of the chain crew, where are they really supposed to be? I have seen some officials put them on the actual sideline and some put them on the 2 yard outside line. Which is it?

Speaking of the chain crew, where are they really supposed to be? I have seen some officials put them on the actual sideline and some put them on the 2 yard outside line. Which is it?

 

2 yards off of the sideline.

2 yards off of the sideline.

 

Thanks. I do find it difficult when they are 2 yds off and that is the boundary for the team, also. Seems to me that they should be maybe one yard off (though i don't relish the idea of having to mark yet another line on the field). It's just challenging after a great play, trying to keep an excited team back off teh 2 yd off mark while the chain gang tries to run to their new place.

 

Also, what about the fields that are marked wrong? Some don't include the 2 yds off dotted boundary line. Some have the 25 to 25 yd box marked wrong for JUST the visitor's side. They have it 30 to 30.

From what I saw, enforcement was very inconsistent this past year. Even so from sideline to sideline in the same game. This has to change for this to really work.

 

FBK

 

You are absolutely correct. It has to be uniform. Creates problems in a game when the two wing guys are 'not on the same page". One is enforcing it and the other is not. Hopefully all will work together to see to this implementation.

Thanks. I do find it difficult when they are 2 yds off and that is the boundary for the team, also. Seems to me that they should be maybe one yard off (though i don't relish the idea of having to mark yet another line on the field). It's just challenging after a great play, trying to keep an excited team back off teh 2 yd off mark while the chain gang tries to run to their new place.

 

Also, what about the fields that are marked wrong? Some don't include the 2 yds off dotted boundary line. Some have the 25 to 25 yd box marked wrong for JUST the visitor's side. They have it 30 to 30.

 

Actually, it has been my experience that having the chain crew 2 yards off of the sideline actually helps keep the players out of the 2 yard belt. Between plays, players, coaches, trainers, ect... will move in and out of the 2 yard belt. That’s okay. It’s necessary. From my perspective, I want that 2 yard belt cleared when my referee blows the ready for play. On fields where there is limited room, you just have to adjust your requirements for the team and chain crew. Communication with the coaches and players is essential. If an official does not take the time to control his/her sideline prior and during the game, then shame on him/her. It took me a few years to buy into that philosophy, but now that I have, it's made officiating much easier. Now I can concentrate on what's going on out on the field. With regard to the field markings, most fields are well marked. Others aren’t! You just have to roll with it.

From what I saw, enforcement was very inconsistent this past year. Even so from sideline to sideline in the same game. This has to change for this to really work.

 

Enforcement of any rule can be inconsistent. so I don't feel possible inconsistency is a legit reason to be opposed to the new sideline rule or horse colllar tackling rule. What some refs feel is holding is let go by other refs. What some refs feel is a block in the back, is let go by other refs. Etc., etc., etc. We are talking about humans here, almost all of which are doing to the best of their abilities for very little pay, so you are going to have inconsistency. I hate it as much as the next guy when I see what I think is a blown call. But good Lordy, we are talking high school football here. Not life and death (I'll bet that sentiment surprises some people in light of the fact its coming from a Highlands fan.)

 

I'll take the added safety of banning horse collar tackles and protecting the refs and coaches on the sidelines with the risk of some inconsistent calls any day of the week. If it was up to me, you wouldn't be able to tackle below the waist when the ball carrier was outside the tackle box or more than 5 yds down field. It is simply illogical to me that we have certain limitations on blocking but no similar limitations on tackling.

Enforcement of any rule can be inconsistent. so I don't feel possible inconsistency is a legit reason to be opposed to the new sideline rule or horse colllar tackling rule. What some refs feel is holding is let go by other refs. What some refs feel is a block in the back, is let go by other refs. Etc., etc., etc. We are talking about humans here, almost all of which are doing to the best of their abilities for very little pay, so you are going to have inconsistency. I hate it as much as the next guy when I see what I think is a blown call. But good Lordy, we are talking high school football here. Not life and death (I'll bet that sentiment surprises some people in light of the fact its coming from a Highlands fan.)

 

I'll take the added safety of banning horse collar tackles and protecting the refs and coaches on the sidelines with the risk of some inconsistent calls any day of the week. If it was up to me, you wouldn't be able to tackle below the waist when the ball carrier was outside the tackle box or more than 5 yds down field. It is simply illogical to me that we have certain limitations on blocking but no similar limitations on tackling.

 

Agreed!:thumb:

I like the sideline rule. I just saw several occasions last year that in the same game, one sideline was controlled very strictly, while the other was not controlled at all. This inconsistnecey I do not think is correct.

 

Enforce it, to the letter, everyone. That is all that I ask.