In a decisive meeting held on Monday, May 6th, representatives from 31 districts convened to vote on proposed changes to the coaching regulations for Scout division teams. After extensive discussion, Proposal 3 emerged as the clear favorite, passing with an overwhelming 87% of the vote. This new rule marks a significant shift in how coaches can interact with their teams during games starting in 2024.

Current Rules

Under the existing framework, Scout teams are permitted to have one coach on the playing field for both offense and defense. This setup allows coaches to directly set up plays and provide real-time guidance to players during the game.

Introducing Proposal 3: A Game-Changer

Proposal 3 introduces a stringent addition to the current rules:

Rule 8.2: In the event a coach receives an unsportsmanlike conduct foul, the repercussions extend beyond the individual to the entire coaching staff. The new rule stipulates that the entire coaching team will lose the privilege of field access during games. This ban will be effective for the remainder of the season, including playoffs, requiring all coaching interactions to occur from the sidelines.

The Impact of the New Rule

This rule change aims to reinforce the importance of sportsmanship and respect within the game. By holding the entire coaching staff accountable for the actions of any one member, the rule seeks to encourage a more disciplined approach from the coaching team, emphasizing the values of fair play and respect across the board.