Umpire attacked

[mbyron]

I agree that the game cannot continue after the assault of an official. I would say the same thing about any high school athletic contest.

I also agree that suspending the game would be the right move. In the heat of the moment, I'm sure I would be tempted to forfeit. But that's a blunt weapon: and there's some justice in the claim that this individual's actions should not determine the fate of the entire team.

The advantage of suspension is this: if cooler heads determine that forfeit is the right way to go, it can always be applied afterwards. On the other hand, it is (as someone noted) much more difficult to reverse a forfeit.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I agree that the game cannot continue after the assault of an official. I would say the same thing about any high school athletic contest.

I also agree that suspending the game would be the right move. In the heat of the moment, I'm sure I would be tempted to forfeit. But that's a blunt weapon: and there's some justice in the claim that this individual's actions should not determine the fate of the entire team.

The advantage of suspension is this: if cooler heads determine that forfeit is the right way to go, it can always be applied afterwards. On the other hand, it is (as someone noted) much more difficult to reverse a forfeit.

I would NEVER declare a forfeit here. Suspend the game and let someone else make the decision to forfeit.

[officialtony]

It seems to me, based on all the information presented, that the two umpires decided that, excluding the assailant, everyone remained in control of themselves and did their best to prevent any further problems.
Call the police.
Arrest the assailant.
Remove him from the area.
But, if the umpires were comfortable continuing, I am in their corner. I don't see ANY reason to forfeit.
Even the assailants dad ( a parent ??? ) was upset at and disapproved of his son's actions.
It just sounds like everyone execpt the assailant was in the right frame of mind.
Play baseball.
After all, isn't that why we are there?

[blueskysblue]

Thanks for clarifying the "moved foot" part - now I see it!

[PABlue]

I belive my actions would have leaned towards suspending the game. BUT and this is a big but,if there were no other players or coaches involved and tempers were not a consideration I can see why the umpires involved continued the game. If the attacked umpire felt well enough to continue sometimes the competitive spirit of a person won't let them just quit.
I also firmly belive that the player should have been held at the game site by the game administrator away from the field till the proper authorities could have been contacted to handle the situation.
My thoughts are with our Texas brothers in arms and hope that firm action is taken on this situation.