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Dear Clubs,
Managing the touchline
At the beginning of the 2012/13 season YRS sent a letter to all clubs in light of the changes to touchline procedure, inparticular the management of interchanges/substitutions, and also the operation of technical areas and the positioning of players, coaches, physios etc within.
We recognise that generally the issue of interchanges has been handled well by clubs and has not impinged upon the role of the referee during matches. However, we do have concerns, which are also shared by the County, about a deterioration of behaviour linked to the touchline, and a seemingly ad hoc approach to the management of technical areas. Hence this joint letter from YRS and YRFU.
We appreciate that every club and pitch are different, with some having barriers, and others relying on a rope to act as a barrier. We are also well aware that some pitches, particularly those owned by local authorities, will not necessarily have a technical area marked out. However we feel strongly that this should not act as any kind of impediment to a safe and effective management of the touchline on match days.
It should also be strongly emphasised that this is a “whole” club issue and that both senior, and junior, sections of clubs need to take this matter seriously. These issues are as prevalent on a Sunday, as on a Saturday, and a consistent approach is called for.
Below is a reminder of the regulations adhering to technical areas and who should, and shouldn’t, be within them on match days. These regulations are first and foremost designed to “de-congest” the touchline and to ensure far fewer potential obstructions along the touchline. It also helps to prevent potential points of conflict, whether it be substitutes, or coaching staff, by not allowing them to roam up and down as they see fit.
Unfortunately we are seeing more and more reports from referees or match observers, where these basic guidelines are not being adhered to.
Technical Areas
The changes to the law regarding quick line-outs placed the onus on teams, and match officials, to try and encourage positive play. It would clearly be undesirable if unauthorized persons could prevent teams taking advantage of this by means of obstruction and could prevent a try being scored, for example, or a quick throw being taken. The other major issue, is to prevent players and coaches from “roaming” the touchline thus increasing the potential for conflict with players on the pitch, and match officials. The Federation and County are using the following guidelines in relation to the technical areas. Please remember this is to help facilitate the game in a quick and safe manner.
2.1 Technical areas should be clearly marked out, guidelines on this are available on the RFU web site using this link: -
2.2 If there are no technical areas marked the only persons allowed inside the barrier will be Touch judges, ball boys and the 4th Match official, all other persons will remain out side the barrier throughout the game.
2.3 All substitutes to be either seated in a “dug-out” within the technical area or behind the pitch-side barrier unless acting as water boys – whereby a maximum of 2 will be allowed. Warming up is only to be permitted in the opposition dead ball areas and access to this should be from outside the barrier not from the touch line.
2.4 The technical area should only be manned by team coaches and physio and no other persons. Coaches and physios should not move out of the technical areas except to treat injured players or assist in interchanges.
2.5 Ball boys will be allowed providing they have been trained to avoid areas where they are likely to come into contact with players.
2.6 We would also ask the 4th Official to take responsibility of assisting in managing that all authorised persons remain inside the technical areas and should they encounter problems with this to report it to the referee.
Although not directly linked to the technical area, an increasingly problematic area, is the issue of players (or coaches) that are given red cards. Far too many players, and clubs, are failing to recognise that once sent off, the player/coach MUST return IMMEDIATELY to the confines of the clubhouse. This is not an option and all clubs must disseminate this to their senior and junior sections with immediate effect.
We are fully aware that the timing of this letter comes very close to the end of the 2013/14 season. However we would like you to disseminate this message now to all teams and management within your respective clubs. We would also expect that this is again the case at the start of the 2014/15 season.
Thank you in anticipation of your support
Best wishes
Andy Baker – Secretary, YRS
Richard Matthews – Secretary, YRFU
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