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Originally posted by Barry C. Morris
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It may seem harmless enough to allow a roof over the top of the court but things can get out of hand. Who knows, the roof supports could give in and fall to the floor. Ever think about that?
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Sorry, Barry, but the roof is necessary for playing the game. The officer's firearm is clearly not. It's not necessary for his coaching duties. It's not necessary for his personal protection, assuming that there is other law enforcement present (as is true at most HS games, at least in my area). There is absolutely not one single good reason for allowing him to be on the bench with a firearm.
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By the way, were the Law enforcement officers who escorted the laser-wielding parent out of the gym wearing firearms? If they were, how was the falling gun danger eliminated in this case. Where I'm from, the police security stand at the exits to the gym (usually about 7 feet from the endline) and are closer to the players than the coaches throughout most of the games. Are the kids in danger in this case?
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Again, Barry, these law enforcement officers are there to provide law enforcement. The firearm
is essential for that duty. Their focus is entirely on their jobs as police officers. The chances of them losing their composure due to the game situation, or of them being disarmed, are extremely low compared to the coach on the bench, who is directly and emotionally involved in the game.
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I'm sorry. I don't mean anything personally but the "falling gun" argument is ridiculous.
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As much as I dislike firearms in general, especially around children, I have to agree with you. I've read studies that show the probability of a gun accidently discharging when dropped to be nearly nil.
I am not going to tell him that he has to remove the firearm, but I will tell him that he may not sit on the bench with it.
Chuck