Video posted on the NFHS Discussion Forum.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Bishopcolle

Well, I can't disagree with you all...but I am NOT thinking as a parent, and that's my problem...I'm thinking as a 32-year cop....trying to establish some order without hands on (I agree with that), but you're right....too much cop trying to establish order...better to back off and sort it out long distance....
Whew! That's hard for me to do.....

It's easy! You're hang-up is your badge! That is what allows you do become "involved" in an altercation. Umpires are officials but not police. We cannot become involved with the altercation once it starts. We can try and prevent it, but once it starts, the law is not with us if we get involved.

Example: Police officer grabs Player1 by the arm and Player2 punches Player1 in the face breaking his jaw. The officer is not sued for holding the arm of Player1. We as sports officials would be.

[umpjong]

I always found that pulling my off duty weapon out of my spare ball bag and firing a warning shot was very effective.... (at least it worked for me )

[Ump Rube]

I didn't realize that Galco made holster/ball-bags. Can you post a review when you have spare couple of minutes.

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by umpjong

I always found that pulling my off duty weapon out of my spare ball bag and firing a warning shot was very effective.... (at least it worked for me )

Flash bangs are even better.

[bfoster]

Did everyone notice that the catcher actually slammed his hockey-style catcher's mask into the runner on the ground? What a goon.

[Bishopcolle]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

It's easy! You're hang-up is your badge! That is what allows you do become "involved" in an altercation. Umpires are officials but not police. We cannot become involved with the altercation once it starts. We can try and prevent it, but once it starts, the law is not with us if we get involved.

Example: Police officer grabs Player1 by the arm and Player2 punches Player1 in the face breaking his jaw. The officer is not sued for holding the arm of Player1. We as sports officials would be.

Well said....good points....

[spokanelurker]

As a coach with whom several of you often disagree, here's my take. One of my kids asked me in jest this year, "Coach, what would you do if we brawl?" My answer was clear and not in jest: "I'd pull all of you off the field and we'd forfeit." Don't care what rule's cited, or what might start it, we'd be done, and it wouldn't take an umpire to make the decision for me.

[jwwashburn]

Good!

I think there are probably a handful of coaches who would do the same thing.

But, the umpires HAVE to do what they are supposed to do, as well!

Joe In Missouri

[DonInKansas]

Originally Posted by spokanelurker

As a coach with whom several of you often disagree, here's my take. One of my kids asked me in jest this year, "Coach, what would you do if we brawl?" My answer was clear and not in jest: "I'd pull all of you off the field and we'd forfeit." Don't care what rule's cited, or what might start it, we'd be done, and it wouldn't take an umpire to make the decision for me.

And for every coach like this, there is a hundred that would kick, scream, claw, fight and whine when the game was forfeited by rule.