Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Why? This is a genuine question. Are you told during referee training that you have discretion on what rules you enforce? Or is it because you can't be arsed to enforce some rules?

Either way, perhaps this is why refereeing for youth soccer in the area is shambolic at best.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Why? This is a genuine question. Are you told during referee training that you have discretion on what rules you enforce? Or is it because you can't be arsed to enforce some rules?

Either way, perhaps this is why refereeing for youth soccer in the area is shambolic at best.

Different leagues have different rules as the poster mentioned, Refs work NCSL, CCL, EDP, ECNL, ECRL, GA, high school, adult leagues, the list goes on and on - if they're not 100% certain on a vague rule they won't enforce it because it might not be applicable

I see. The straight extended arm shove to someone's back is a difficult rule to remember. Thanks for clearing it up.

What??? This thread devolved into where spectators are supposed to sit. What does a ref missing fouls have to do with not bothering to enforce spectator rules?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Why? This is a genuine question. Are you told during referee training that you have discretion on what rules you enforce? Or is it because you can't be arsed to enforce some rules?

Either way, perhaps this is why refereeing for youth soccer in the area is shambolic at best.

Different leagues have different rules as the poster mentioned, Refs work NCSL, CCL, EDP, ECNL, ECRL, GA, high school, adult leagues, the list goes on and on - if they're not 100% certain on a vague rule they won't enforce it because it might not be applicable

I see. The straight extended arm shove to someone's back is a difficult rule to remember. Thanks for clearing it up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Why? This is a genuine question. Are you told during referee training that you have discretion on what rules you enforce? Or is it because you can't be arsed to enforce some rules?

Either way, perhaps this is why refereeing for youth soccer in the area is shambolic at best.

Different leagues have different rules as the poster mentioned, Refs work NCSL, CCL, EDP, ECNL, ECRL, GA, high school, adult leagues, the list goes on and on - if they're not 100% certain on a vague rule they won't enforce it because it might not be applicable

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Why? This is a genuine question. Are you told during referee training that you have discretion on what rules you enforce? Or is it because you can't be arsed to enforce some rules?

Either way, perhaps this is why refereeing for youth soccer in the area is shambolic at best.

Why don't you be part of the solution, rather than complain, why don't you ref? You can obviously do it better.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Why? This is a genuine question. Are you told during referee training that you have discretion on what rules you enforce? Or is it because you can't be arsed to enforce some rules?

Either way, perhaps this is why refereeing for youth soccer in the area is shambolic at best.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Why? This is a genuine question. Are you told during referee training that you have discretion on what rules you enforce? Or is it because you can't be arsed to enforce some rules?

Either way, perhaps this is why refereeing for youth soccer in the area is shambolic at best.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Not that poster, but, yeah, some leagues do have rules like the one described above, NCSL and CCL, for example.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJdAWviat6PLOKPszz0nMrTjjWVmQh073_IBV2qrqa0/edit?tab=t.0

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/b621-2400480/Club_Champions_-_Rules_and_Procedures_-_August_1_2023_V2.pdf

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

As a ref I don't think I've ever enforced it, but if given a reason by hypothetically combative or disruptive parents, I might.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?

This is news to me too. The so-called ref who wrote this never replied, eh?

Penalty Area Rule for Coaches and Spectators
No coach, assistant, or spectator shall position themselves further from the halfway line than the top of the penalty area. Coaches and assistants must remain on their side of the halfway line on the teams' side of the field. Coaches are responsible for anyone on their side out of an appropriate position and any interference with the play of the ball or game.

VI. SPECTATOR AND COACHING AREAS
A. All coaches, players, and spectators will remain eighteen (18) yards from the goal lines.
B. Coaches and players are to take opposite sides of the field from the spectators.
a. Spectators are encouraged to be on the opposite side (same half of the field) as their team, facing
their team bench.
C. No coaching may take place from behind the goal lines.
D. All coaches and spectators must always remain at least one (1) meter from the touchline.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those in a tizzy about “wrong side” spectating…Sorry, but not sorry.

I will stand wherever I want…been doing so for many years and I don’t give a rat’s bum what any of y’all think.

If the sideline police want to report me, I’m easy to spot. I stand by the goal line away from everyone and I am very quiet. My kids are defenders and I enjoy watching them play. If that makes me a helicopter parent, then sign me up.

As a referee, I would ask you to move. Spectators shouldn't be behind the goal line or on the side from the goal line to the top of the 18 yard box. So at the very least, can you abide by those rules so the referee might not have to stop the game to manage your stupidity?

Genuinely curious about this one. Of course I know that spectators shouldn't stand BEHIND the goal line (note that the PP did not say he stands behind the goal line) but I've never heard a referee ask that spectators not stand on the sideline between the goal line and the 18 yard box. So long as people stand back away a sufficient distance from the sideline, and not stand behind either goal, no referee has ever said anything about the 18 yard box.

Is that a thing? Why? My kid plays defense and I generally stand (quietly) on the sideline in that area so that I have a better view of him, sometimes taking videos to show my wife who often can't make the game. Why is this bad form to stand along the sideline, back away from the sideline of course, inside the 18 yard box?