March 29, 2004

New Sideline Policy

Effective immediately, teams and spectators will occupy opposite sidelines during matches. In January 2004, the Board of Directors approved the following policy:

POLICY: TEAM BENCH AREAS (State Competition League Only)
Team benches are to be on the same side of the field. A team's bench area shall consist of that area two (2) yards away from the touch line and extending twenty yards in one direction beginning not closer than five yards from the midfield line. The home team has first choice as to where it wishes to locate its bench area. Coaches and substitutes are required to remain within their bench area during the game. Parents and spectators must occupy the opposite side of the field from the teams' bench areas. In the unlikely event where physical restrictions of a field make the above impossible, at the discretion of the referee, spectators and parents may be allowed on the same side of the field.