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Originally Posted by Texas Aggie
The answer to this could actually be pretty easy. Most states have criminal laws codified (i.e. written down in statutes) that specify what is and what isn't, along with what is a defense, etc. Courts have come along and interpreted specific cases to further define what specific actions may constitute (in this case) an assault or a defense to one. While the statute may not specify a game as a defense to an assault, one thing the courts might do is come along and say that since the official is not a player and is not so equipped, treating him as such a participant is not a valid defense under the law as it might be against another player. In other words, head butting another player MAY not be a criminal violation, but head butting an official, coach, etc. probably IS.
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The general rule is that actions which are considered part of the game are not criminally charged for assault type charges. Fights in hockey meet this definition. Even fights in high school sports often result in no action from the criminal justice system unless there is a mitigating factor.
In this case, the head butt of an official is not a part of the game, therefore it would go above and beyond anything that could be considered "normal" to the game, and the criminal justice system would likely (and apparently has gotten involved).
Michigan had a case several years ago where several people involved in a fight at a high school football game did face charges. One of them was charged because he was an injured player, who did not participate in the game, but was involved in the fight. His involvement was swinging his crutch at an opposing players head, and making contact. Swinging a crutch at an opponents head is not a normal part of football, and is outside the normal expectation of the game.
The most famous incident of criminal charges in a sporting event I think was Marty McSorely's swing to the face of Donald Braschear. McSorely was charged with assault. Slashing a player in the head is way beyond what is reasonable within the sport's guidelines and traditions.