Video posted on the NFHS Discussion Forum.

[UmpJM]

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.

Jicecone,

That is correct. You will NOT find a rule that says the umpire has authority to end a game because a fight took place or because he feels like it.

However, you WILL find a rule that says a player who leaves his position or bench "...for the purpose of fighting or physical confrontation..." is to be ejected.

You will also find a rule that says if a team is unable to field 8 players, the game is forfeit.

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.

I agree with your assertion (I think), but ejecting players because they violated a rule that calls for an ejection penalty, as is the case here, is an entirely different matter.

JM