Rule 13 — Non-Player Conduct
Section 1 — Non-Player Conduct
Article 1 — Non-Player Fouls
There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct by a substitute, coach, attendant, or any other non-player during any period or timeout (including between halves).
Notes:
- "Loud speaker" coaching from the sidelines is not permissible.
- A player may communicate with a coach provided the coach is in his prescribed area during dead ball periods.
- It is impermissible for the grounds crew or other team personnel to clear away snow for a Try kick, field goal, punt, or kickoff.
Article 2 — Team Attendants May Enter Field During Timeout
Either or both team attendants and their helpers may enter the field to attend to their team during a team timeout. No other non-player may come on the field without the Referee's permission. The head coach may enter the field to check on the welfare of an injured player, but no assistant coach may enter the field.
Article 3 — Bench Credentials
All persons in a team's bench area must wear a visible credential clearly marked "BENCH." The home club will be issued a maximum of 27 credentials and the visiting club a maximum of 25 credentials for use in its bench area.
Article 4 — Restricted Areas
All team personnel must observe the zone restrictions applicable to the bench area and the border rimming the playing field. The only persons permitted within the solid six-foot white border while play is in progress are game officials.
Article 5 — Movement on Sidelines
Coaches and other non-participating team personnel are prohibited from moving laterally along the sidelines any further than the points that are 22 yards (25 yards for alternative field) from the middle of the bench area.
Article 6 — Non-Bench Areas
Clubs are prohibited from allowing into the non-bench areas of field level any persons who have not been accredited for those locations by the home club's public relations office.
Penalty: For unsportsmanlike conduct (illegal acts under Articles 1 through 6): Loss of 15 yards from the team for whose supposed benefit the foul was made. For a flagrant violation, the Referee may exclude the offender(s) from the playing field enclosure.
Article 7 — Palpably Unfair Act (Non-Player)
A non-player shall not commit any act which is palpably unfair.
Penalty: The Referee, after consulting with the crew, shall make such ruling as he/she considers equitable.
Article 8 — Non-Player Personnel
Non-player personnel of a club are prohibited from making unnecessary physical contact with or directing abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures at opponents, game officials, or representatives of the League.
Penalty: For unsportsmanlike conduct: Loss of 15 yards.