Q: A few years ago a 3 minute "warm-up" period was added to our halftimes for players to get back moving in order to help reduce injuries. I believe there was an email sent out and for the most part everyone took part without any issues. Today... we still don't have any issues at the varsity level but I'm seeing lower level coaches not using this time as a warm-up but using it as an extension of their time to talk. I've talked with these lower level coaches about the importance of getting the kids stretched out and active during this 3 minutes but some just don't get it. I'm not sure if I should just ignore this or if a penalty should be administered and if so... what to call ?
A: The three minute period is mandatory. You should explain it to the coaches and add it to the clock before beginning the second half. They can shorten the half-time to 10 minutes if both agree and add it. But officials must add the 3 minute warm up period. The teams may do whatever they wish during the time periods. From the NFHS PowerPoint for the rule change:
vRules Change:
•Table 3-1 . . . (The game officials are responsible for ensuring that there is a three-minute warm-up period posted on the clock and the clock immediately started for use by the coaches immediately after the halftime intermission expires. The head coach is responsible for his team being on the field for mandatory warm-up time at the end of the scheduled halftime intermission.)
•Rule 9-8-1 . . . No coach, substitute, athletic trainer or other team attendant shall act in an unsportsmanlike manner once the officials assume authority for the contest. Examples are, but not limited to:
g.The failure of a team to:
1. Be ready to start the first half; and
2. Be on the field following the conclusion of the halftime intermission; or
3. Be ready to start the second half at the conclusion of the mandatory warm-up period.
vRationale for Change:
•These changes clarify that the mandatory three-minute warm-up period begins immediately following the conclusion of the halftime intermission. The head coach is responsible to have his team back on the field at the conclusion of the halftime intermission. Failure of the team to be back on the field at the conclusion of the halftime intermission results in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty assessed to the head coach. Failure to have the team back on the field at the end of the mandatory three-minute warm-up period may result in application of Rule 3-6-3. The responsibility for the team activities conducted during the mandatory three-minute warm-up period rests with the respective head coach.
vComment on Slide:
•Responsibility for a team being back on the field for the mandatory three-minute warm-up period, which begins immediately following the conclusion of the scheduled halftime intermission, rests with the head coach. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be assessed to the head coach if the team is not back on the field prior to the start of the mandatory warm-up period.
vCase Book: See SITUATION 3.1.1D