The NFL has specific rules regarding who can be on or near the sideline during a game, primarily focused on safety and maintaining the flow of the game. Generally, only authorized personnel directly involved with the game or a specific function are allowed in these areas.
Here’s a breakdown of the restrictions:
The First Border is a 6-foot area separating the playing field from the sideline, where only game officials and the chain crew are permitted for safety reasons.
The Second Border is a solid yellow line 6 feet from the first border within the bench area, where only coaches and a limited number of ready-to-play substitution players are allowed.
He was in the area designated for officials and the chain crew and could have been fined as he was not doing game work and was just a fan they let into the sidelines. Team staff, media, and others with specific gameday roles are allowed on the sideline but must be aware of the action and avoid interfering with play or getting injured.
For enforcement teams have a “get-back coach” to ensure sideline adherence. Officials issue warnings for violations, with flagrant violations after two warnings potentially leading to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The League Office can also impose fines and suspensions.
It’s in the book. And it is in the NCAA and National Federation of High School rule books. He was just acting stupid.
wy69
These ‘pros’ should have been taught this basic rule in Jr High, if not Pee-Wee football.
It irks me to no end to see team members, including coaches, strutting in the white border called ‘The Sideline’. It’s way past time for officials to start throwing flags for these infractions.
Start penalizing the entire team and the team will start to police itself.