1. Region One Football Officials Association
Rule Topics:
Proper penalties for sideline warnings, interference, & unsportsmanlike conduct
We Are All Here to Learn

2. Restricted Area Rule 9-8-3
A nonplayer shall not be outside his team box unless to become a player or to return as a replaced player.
A maximum of 3 coaches may be in the restricted area. No player, nonplayer, or coach shall be in the restricted area when the ball is live.

3. Team Box Penalties
Team box area is beyond the restricted area & between 25-yard lines. All coaches & nonplayers may be in this area. Nonplayers may not be outside of team box unless to become a player or return as replaced player.
When nonplayers are outside team box, or anyone is in restricted area while ball is live, game officials will give sideline warning. 2nd offense results in 5-yard penalty (sideline interference). 3rd+ offenses result in 15-yard penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, charged to head coach.

4. Team Box Penalties (cont)
If game official unintentionally contacts coach or nonplayer in restricted area while ball is live, the team is assessed 15-yard penalty for a nonplayer, illegal personal contact foul. As a nonplayer foul, the penalty is enforced from the succeeding spot.
2nd offense results in head coach’s disqualification.
Unlike sideline interference (non-contact, Rule 9-8-1k or ), no warning or 5-yard penalty is required in this situation.

5. From TSSAA Manual

6. Reference Chart Sideline Warning & Interference
Contact in Restricted Area
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
1st offense = Warning
1st offense = 15-yds
15-yds assessed to individual
2nd offense = 5-yds
2nd offense = 15-yds + ejection of head coach
2 unsportsmanlike on individual = ejection
3rd offense = 15-yds
4th offense = 15-yds + ejection
Treat each (sideline interference, contact in restricted area, & unsportsmanlike conduct) all independently and penalized separately.
Unsportsmanlike conduct on sideline doesn’t necessarily go against head coach.