Well, it's sad that people can't regulate their use enough that it has to lead to sanctions if any phone is out on the floor. Some people use their phones to videotape their gymnasts as well. I will comply of course but I would NEVER use a cell phone while actively coaching a gymnast or during the rotations...sometimes during the end you are sitting there off to the side (but still on the floor) while waiting for the last rotation to finish, and I have quickly texted parents or other coaches updates or results for the purposes of qualification. Now I won't be able to do that, even though I do not think it is unreasonable or dangerous. Being glued to the phone at that time would be inappropriate of course, for the purposes of a professional event, but that is communication for the purpose of the event. Unprofessional behavior is everywhere and I really think the employer needs to handle it unless USAG is going to individually intervene with the coach.
Edit: Yes, I COULD go outside to make that communication, but then I wouldn't be sitting with the kids. I don't really think that's much better personally.
Unless we're defining "field" as something other than the entire meet floor area...like the equipment while the meet is active. I think banning it on the entire meet floor (some people aren't actively coaching and might have their phone in their pocket to check the time). Personally, it seems a little draconian to me. And I do not keep my phone in my pocket or anywhere on my person WHILE COACHING, and would never use it while coaching or while any of my gymnasts were competing (barring extreme emergency where I'd be off the side). So I don't have a chip on my shoulder about that.
Double edit: Oh wait, this is like everyone in the entire meet area including spectators? I just assumed it was the floor. Still not clear on that, but that is way over the top in my opinion and ridiculous to expect meet directors to police all that or face sanctions. What if grandma who has never been to a gymnastic meet before whips out her new iPhone to videotape her grandkid? It would have been better to make a policy that disruptions or certain violations will result in being asked to leave by the meet director or something. Yes, we ban cameras flashing, but not cameras altogether.