Rule 9 – Section 2 – Article 5 – Game Administration and Sideline Interference

While the ball is alive and during the continuing action after the ball has been declared dead:

a. Coaches, substitutes and authorised attendants in the team area must be behind the coaching line.

PENALTY − Administer as a dead-ball foul.

First infraction: Warning for sideline interference. No yardage penalty. [S15: SLW]

Second and third infractions: Delay of game for sideline interference, five yards from the succeeding spot. [S21 and S29: SLI]

Fourth and subsequent infractions: Team unsportsmanlike conduct for sideline interference, 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. [S27 and S29: SLM]

b. Physical interference with an official is a foul charged to the team for unsportsmanlike conduct. (A.R. 9-2-5:I)

PENALTY − Team unsportsmanlike conduct. Administer as a dead-ball foul. 15 yards from the succeeding spot. Automatic first down for fouls by Team B if not in conflict with other rules. [S27: UNS]