Out-of-control Player Punches Referee

[lrpalmer3]

I'm a young athletic official and I could defend myself (at least temporarily) against this sort of attack with one clause, if I was prepared. I've had players and coaches walk aggressively toward me and it takes every bit of control to avoid getting in a defensive fighting position. Lucky for me, I haven't been attacked. But as an official, are we obligated to "take a blow"?

That sounds like a rediculous statement, but the alternative is be fight ready. And there's no way to be fight ready without looking like it.