Technical Zones
USA Rugby Technical Zone & Sideline Management Guidelines
The Technical Zone is the area specified for teams and coaches to be around the field during a rugby match. Using these zones is an absolute for organization of the field and safety of players, coaches, referees and spectators. The following information is the official USA Rugby Technical Zone and Sideline Management Guideline.
Technical zone (TZ) defined as space in front of the rope/barrier between the 10m line and 22m line*
Technical zone ends 2m from the touch line to give room for ARs & touch judges
Coaches may not cross into the other team’s TZ or leave their own TZ
No more than 2 coaches are allowed in the technical zone
Coaches should not stand in/near the try zone or anywhere on the field of play
Uncertified coaches should not be in the TZ
#4 (Fourth Official) or Match Manager (data tracker) occupies the space between the 10m lines (Administrative Area)
Chairs may be set up in the Administrative Area for disciplinary/sin bin purposes
No coach or player is allowed in the Administrative Area except when petitioning for a substitution
Teams may have two medical professionals “in front of the rope”
Medical professionals may roam either sideline and are not confined to the TZ*
Only one (1) medical professional per team is allowed per side of the field*
Second medical professional must be across from first medical professional on opposite sideline*
Coaches are not allowed onto the field with medical personnel unless explicitly allowed by the match official
Medical personnel should always introduce themselves to the match official(s) before the match begins
Team benches should also be between the 10m line and 22m line* but “behind the rope” and not in the technical zone
Spectators should be on the opposite sideline from the teams unless a second rope is present to prevent mixing of spectators with players/staff/administrators
Water carriers must stay “behind the rope”* unless the match official signals that they may enter the playing field
Water carriers should endeavor to wear a top that clashes with players on the field
Coaches may not serve as water carriers
Water carriers should not be in the TZ*
Coaches should not huddle with teams on the field after scores
Teams must warm up in the end they are attacking into, not the end they are defending
Players warming up must wear a contrasting top to the players on the field (e.g. a penny)
Teams should not warm up with balls, cones, or other equipment (e.g. ruck pads)
Teams should not warm up within 5m of the field of play
If space demands it, teams may warm up in the try zone but only if they access the try zone by staying “behind the rope” to and from
*Variance specific to USA Rugby that differs from the IRB standard
TECHINCAL ZONE LAYOUT DIAGRAMS
(click on image to enlarge)
Rugby Field
Football Field
Dual Side-by-Side Rugby Fields