Out-of-control Player Punches Referee

[Snake~eyes]

Originally posted by 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.

Doesn't sound ridiculous to me, depnds on who it is and how serious it is, but if he swings he's live game. And if I were you I wouldn't take the blow.