In the dynamic world of youth football, particularly within the Scout leagues, maintaining the integrity and sportsmanship of the game is paramount. Recent developments have shed light on the need to adjust the rules concerning the presence of coaches on the field. This shift comes in response to challenges with coaches intimidating referees and causing disruptions during the games.

The Present Scenario

Under the current rules, Scout teams are allowed one coach each for offensive and defensive plays on the field. These coaches play a crucial role in positioning and instructing players but are restricted from interfering directly with the play. Once the game is in motion, the coaches must stand back—a minimum of 15 yards once the center touches the football. At the snap, they must be positioned at least 10 yards behind the play and are prohibited from participating in calling audibles or plays.

A Look at Proposed Adjustments

Given the issues observed, there are new rule proposals aimed at curbing these disruptions while enhancing the coaching effectiveness and sportsmanship:

1. Proposal #1 suggests a phase-out approach where coaches can be on-field up to the fifth game. Post the fifth game, they would need to coach from the sidelines, although they can still join the huddle provided it’s 10 yards from the sideline. A crucial addition is the penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct—any coach flagged for such behavior within the first five games would result in their entire coaching staff being moved to the sidelines for the remaining games.
   
   

2. Proposal #2 outlines a more restricted on-field presence. Coaches can be within a 10-yard area from the sideline and must maintain a 10-yard distance from the nearest referee. Post-huddle, they must retreat to a designated area away from the field action. Similar to the first proposal, any unsportsmanlike behavior by any coach leads to the entire staff coaching from the sidelines for the rest of the season.
   
   

3. Proposal #3 advocates for maintaining the current rule but adds a strict penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Any such foul would lead to the entire coaching staff being restricted to the sidelines for all subsequent games, including the playoffs.

These proposed rules aim to strike a balance between the necessary guidance that coaches provide and the overall flow and fairness of the game. By setting clear boundaries and consequences, the Ute Conference and its districts are committed to fostering an environment where sportsmanship is held in the highest regard, and the focus remains on developing young athletes in a positive and respectful setting.

These proposals will be debated and voted on during the UCR (Ute Conference Representative) meeting.