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Originally posted by Back In The Saddle
Why? Is it some due diligence? Does it absolve us from some liablity? If little Susie gets maimed in a tragic hair-clip accident, will having asked this question save my butt at trial? I have a hard time believing that asking "Are all your players legally equipped?" is going to save anybody's behind.
If some bozo in PA gets acquitted for assaulting an official because he said he didn't know the guy in the striped shirt was an official, then why should we expect that the courts will hold the coach liable for an injury if all he has to say is, "I didn't know it was illegal for my players to carry automatic weapons?"
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I cannot speak for every state. I am not a lawyer or do not know why specifically this is required. But this puts some liablity on the coaches if the players are not properly equip, then they have to bear some responsiblity. They know what their players are wearing or what their uniform consists of better than we do.
Quote:
Originally posted by Back In The Saddle
How would I prove that the question was ever asked or answered? I say I asked and the coach said his players were legally equipped. My partner says, "Yeah, we usually ask that question, I think the coach said yes." The coach says he doesn't recall being asked. That team's captains say they weren't paying attention, the other coach and captains say they're not even sure there was a captains meeting.
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Well considering there are at least two officials present, players and coaches as well, I would assume someone might remember the conversation. First of all I cannot speak for what goes on in PA or any other state. I just know we are required to do this in Illinois in all sports. Now I am sure some lawyers came up with this and decided this would put more liability back on the coaches. Whether that is true or not, I am not sure. I just know we are required to ask this every game. It is not a big deal to me, it is so common and the first thing I say when I am the Referee, Plate Umpire or white hat.
Quote:
Originally posted by Back In The Saddle
If this is about making the coach liable for his players being legally equipped, then it seems to me that you'd have to be able to prove two things in court: that the coach knew, or should have known, what it is he was certifying; and that the coach did, in fact, certify that his players were legally equipped. I don't see how we meet either criteria by asking this question in the captains meeting.
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Again, I think this is an issue for each state. The laws might be different where it does not matter one way or another where you live.
Peace