Where must coaches and substitutes stay during a game?

Only the field officials, the downs box official, the yardstick officials, the timekeeper and the scorer may occupy the sideline. The team bench area is for substitute players and authorized team personnel: coaches, doctors, trainers and equipment personnel.

• The bench area sits 5 to 10 yards (metres) from the sideline.
• It is enclosed by a 4 inch (10 cm) line at least 2 yards (metres) from the sideline (5 yards or metres is optimum), plus a line 5 yards (metres) from each end of the bench.
• Bench occupants must stay inside the enclosed area, except during legal substitution or with the Referee's express permission.
• Penalty: L10 (10-yard loss), no option, from the point where the ball would have been put in play.

During an official time out, or any significant stoppage such as a measurement or injury, a sideline conference between coaches and players is legal.

Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Rule 1, Section 13.