Video posted on the NFHS Discussion Forum.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by jicecone

I will check my books when I get home but I suspect that I will not find a rule that specifically says the umpire has authority to end a game because a fight took place or because he feels like it.

Also, ejecting players in order to not have enough and actually having the authority to end the game are two different things. And a good umpire would certainly not resort to this to begin with.

How would you propose handling the high school bench brawl?

In my opinion, I start writing down numbers of the guaranteed ejections and see who's left after that's done. I would continue the game if possible, enforce all rules within my power to maintain control of the game.

That way, in my report, I will have the numbers of every player who was "fighting" because the rule supports an ejection there. This isn't the NBA where we can dump them for leaving the bench. We warn both teams for having unauthorized players on the field during a live ball, after that, the rule supports an ejection.

Let's play ball.