I was just reading the rule book about how close coaches can get to the mat in a dual meet. According to the NFHS Rule Book it appears that no team personnel, including coaches, are supposed to be within the 10 area adjacent to the mat. I often see coaches in that zone and sometimes even stepping on the mat. Is that an infraction that the official should be calling unsportsmanlike behavior or am I missing something here? Can any veteran officials confirm the correct action one way or the other?
Rule 2-2-1
SECTION 2 TEAM BENCHES
ART. 1 ... For dual meets, all team personnel, including coaches, other than actual participating contestants shall be restricted to an area which is at least 10 feet from the edge of the mat and the scorer's table, where facilities permit.
I love it when coaches get up and are excited to encourage their kids! Personally, I have no issue with it as long as they aren’t standing next to mat the entire match. Getting up animated just shows me that the coaches care and love what they do! Rule has to be there so a ref can say “enough” when it really is too much.