Coaches sometimes get upset with a call or no-call from the middle officials (referee, umpire, or back judge) and, in frustration, yell onto the field at those officials. In these moments, the wing official standing on the sideline must step in and manage the coach.
By redirecting communication to yourself, you protect your crewmates, keep the exchange professional, and show the coach you are listening.
Yelling onto the field is not acceptable. Basketball referee Nate Sullivan said this to a coach who was yelling at an official on the opposite side of the court: “When you’re talking to one of us, you’re talking to the whole crew. The expectation is professional communication.”
This principle applies in football. It is unprofessional for a coach to yell at the middle officials.
Wings, you must immediately step in to de-escalate the situation.
“Coach, I’m right here. Talk to me. What is your concern?”
If the coach continues:
“Please share your concern with me, and I’ll relay it to my crewmate.”
If the coach continues:
“The expectation is professional communication. Yelling at an official on the field is unsportsmanlike.”
If a coach continues to yell after being redirected, the next step is to flag the coach for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Bottom line: Sideline management is one of the most important wing responsibilities. Coaches cannot be allowed to yell at officials on the field or across the field at opposing coaches.
It’s important to add: Middle officials, don’t yell back at the coach. That adds to the problem. Do not respond to the coach. Allow the wing official to communicate directly with the coach.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer. (Choose all that apply.)
4/12 from the K-5. K45’s punt is blocked at the line of scrimmage and rolls into Team K’s end zone. K45 bats the ball across the end line.
- The result of the play is a touchback
- The result of the play is a safety
- Team R can decline the penalty for K45’s bat and next snap the ball from the B-5
- Team K will free kick from the K-20
- Team K will free kick from the K-10
Review Rules 8-5-1a, 8-5-2b, 8-5-2c, 9-7-2, 10-4-2 EXCEPTION, 10-4-4a