The National Rugby League has accepted Shane Flanagan's explanation for being at a Cronulla trial fixture against the Wests Tigers last month with the coach serving a 12-month ban.
Flanagan is appealing against the suspension imposed by chief executive Dave Smith following a probe into the club's supplement program in the 2011 season.
As a part of his ban Flanagan is prohibited from having direct or indirect involvement with the club.
However, after receiving an explanation from Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce that Flanagan was watching his son play in a lower grade fixture, the NRL have accepted there was no breach of the rules.
A statement released by the code's governing body said Noyce assured the NRL that Flanagan's attendance at the game was in a private capacity.
Noyce said that outside an exchange of pleasantries with Sharks captain Paul Gallen, Flanagan had no involvement with the club, its sponsors, coach or team.
The NRL also said it reconfirmed what it told the Sharks in January that they were comfortable with Flanagan watching his son play in a junior competition.
