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We can always have a lawsuit, but the question is whether or not we have a winner. In this hypothetical the answer is --maybe. This would be a negligence claim. There are components to proving a negligence claim that I will not get into on this forum but if we can think of it as a reasonable man standard it should suffice. Did this fan acting reasonable given the circumstances? If no, did his unreasonable action cause the injury? If yes, then the official can recover damages related thereto.
In determining whether he acted reasonably, we would look to the game situation and management. If his son had been injured on the play and dad was running out to provide help, then his actions may have been reasonable.
The refs. award could be reduced by comparative or contributory negligence. That is to say that if the jury determined that the ref was negligent by his own action (ie failing to control the sideline throughout the game) then his recovery could be reduced or eliminated.
The league could face a lawsuit for failing to provide a safe game environment.
This brings up the bigger question, which is: as officials how much do we know about the insurance coverage of the youth leagues we work? In federation games we know that we are covered by our own insurance, but not in youth games. Probably a good idea for the assignors in the youth leagues to inquire.
Hope this helps.
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