Management of Behavior in the Technical Area

[chrisrun]

Another position paper from USSF. Nothing too dramatic here. Maybe the most interesting part is:

"In dealing with impermissible actions (whether misconduct or irresponsible behavior) by persons who are off the field, the referee should use the same criteria and concerns they would apply to similar behavior by players on the field. For example, a substitute might proclaim disagreement with a decision by the referee. Is it dissent? Detailed guidelines have been developed and published regarding this matter and should be followed whether the speaker is a player, substitute, or team official. "

http://www.ussoccer-data.com/docfile/techbehavior.htm

[Wreave]

So if it would be dissent by a player on the field, it should be considered dissent by a coach in the technical area?

The technical areas are going to get awfully quiet...

[colins1993]

So if it would be dissent by a player on the field, it should be considered dissent by a coach in the technical area?

The technical areas are going to get awfully quiet...

That would be a god thing in my book.

[njref]

The guidelines state that the referee may "sketch out" at technical area if none exists. Of course, in youth games, you almost never have a technical area. Personally, I have never doen this "sketching" in advance, although I have told coaches to get back to their bench area if they wander too far away (which I view as not between the midfield line and the penalty area on their side of the field - assuming both teams on the same side). I was wondering what was the standard or best referee practice in youth games for "technical areas."

[Wreave]

We define it as the center circle. Coaches shouldn't wander past that... if for no other reason than they're likely to get skewered by the AR's flag.

[Statesman]

I am pleased to see USSF recommending the referee create a technical area when none exists in writing. This is a technique I've been teaching students and referees I mentor for many years now. I haven't seen it recommended as an official technique before, yet it makes game management much easier. The fact there is a visual representation of the appropriate area for coaching and team personnel gives the referee a lot of leverage in keeping the sidelines under control.

As far as how to actually create one, I bought two packs of the flat cones used for drills. If you want to have some fun, get 3 wood stakes with string measured to the appropriate area dimensions and hammer them into the ground. If the team personnel aren't paying attention, they'll inevitably trip over the string (and learn their lesson). Only do this in a good natured game though...

The real point to give the visual reference, regardless of how accurate it is to FIFA's requirements. Err on the side of making the area bigger than the actual dimensions or it will be more frustrating for the team than necessary. If anything it will help give your ARs the room they need without personell crowing the lines, and is a great tool when dealing with coach dissent.

[IASocFan]

Our club normally includes team technical areas when marking fields. Sometimes , they'll even mark off a line about 2 yards off the touchlines for spectators. As part of my club pre-games, just before kickoff, I verify that both the teams and parents sidelines are significantly clear. I usually include instructions to ARs to ensure that the touchlines are clear. Nothing is more embarrassing to players, coaches or ARs than collisions on the touchline!