Sorry you are misreading the Rules Book.
Sideline WARNING (Signal 15) is not listed on Page 90 or 91. WHY? Because its not a Foul! And, without a Foul, You can't have a penalty! (See 2-16-1)
Google: WARNING...a statement or event that indicates a possible or impending problem.
Question: How would the offended team ever Accept of Decline a SIDELINE WARNING???
Alf - You are hanging your hat on a PENALTY SUMMARY which has been written as is for many years and is now allegedly muddling the waters in Upstate NY due to new rule 3-4-7
So, Alf, How would you then rewrite that particular Penalty Summary to clarify a WARNING is not a foul and a WARNING has no penalty and clarify the intent of the Rules Committee to even those folks in Upper NY that 3-4-7 would never be used in conjunction with a SW.
One last thought; If you ever actually wait until the last two minutes of a half to throw a sideline warning flag, perhaps we may need to discuss differing methods as to how you might better control your sideline.
I absolutely agree, that "misreading the rule book" is an occupational hazard that constantly challenges all of us, which may be why; The Prerequisites for Good Officiating sub-section of Basic Philosophy & Principles in the Game Officials Manual advises, "
Game officials must have a football sense which supersedes the technical application of the rules so that the game goes smoothly. Game officials are expected to exercise good judgment in applying the rules." (Pg 5).
'
NFHS 2-16-1 does in fact, define a "Penalty". As does the "Penalty" descriptions for Rule 9-8 (Pg 75), which instructs for Article 1k ("Being outside the team box, but not on the field (9-8-3), 3 - Non-player foul -First offense-(S15) -
warning, second offense...
My Rule Book, includes on page 90, #26, Under
Penalty Summary, Loss of 5 Yds: Nonplayer outside of the team box but not on the field... 9-8-3.
Sometimes unfortunately, I have nowhere but to hang my hat, on what happens to be written in the current version of the NFHS rule book, regardless of how long it has remained unchanged, or whether I agree with it. I am not aware that this new rule is "muddling the waters in Upstate NY due to new rule 3-4-7", any more than it might be ANYWHERE else, and I have no authority, nor interest in rewriting it, or any Penalty Summary currently listed.
I was not aware that there was ANY significant confusion about, what seems like a straightforward application of a seemingly clear directive obviously designed to emphasize the unnecessary safety risk of violating the previously prudent established sideline safety protocols designed to protect officials, players and non-players alike.
The judgement to apply this added "timing" element to the existing "penalty" of publicly identifying a team as violating an important safety protocol by flagging and publicly warning a team of their violation seems in line with the necessity of applying and "exercise good judgment in applying the rules" recommended by, "The Prerequisites for Good Officiating sub-section.
The question of an offended team "declining" a warning being issued seems analogous to an offended team declining the disqualification of an opponent, which logic might consider an administrative prerogative.
Of course this is only my personal conclusion, based on my assessment. You may reach a different conclusion. For the record, the correct spelling of my name is simply "Al".