IGHSAU/IHSAA BENCH CONDUCT RULE

A coach will be allowed to stand and confer with a player(s) whenever the clock is not running. Communication with the player(s) only, should be done in a positive manner and shall take place directly in front of where the coach was seated. When a coach finishes conferring with the player(s) or the ball is put in play (clock will start) the coach shall return immediately to the bench. Coaches are not to stand and show displeasure regarding any situation they are not happy with. This unsportsmanlike behavior is subject to a technical foul being called. The officials will not delay a throw-in administration to permit a coach additional dead clock time to visit with a player(s). This change will allow coaches additional opportunities to stand up and instruct players while the clock is not running during the game.

DISQUALIFIED PLAYER: A coach will be permitted to stand following notification of a disqualified player and walk the confines of his/her bench to select a replacement for the disqualified player. The rule change states a player must be replaced within 20 seconds from the time the coach is notified. Any unsporting acts on the coaches part are subject to being assessed a technical foul. Coaches, these are two additional opportunities to stand up and coach. The IHSAA/IGHSAU ask that you respect these opportunities and use these positive teachable moments for the right reasons.

BENCH DECORUM: Besides the two above mentioned, coaches may stand or leave the bench for:

1. Charged time-out, confer with players

2. In case of injury, if beckoned by official, attend an injured player(s)

3. Intermission

4. Prevention or notification of a correctable error per Rule 2-10

5. Stand up to show approval of an exciting play

6. Stand up to call time-out when his/her team is in possession of the ball

7. Stand to congratulate a player being substituted for

8. Confer with personnel at the scorer’s regarding a timing error, scoring error, or alternating possession error