Physically fit/CPR

[Mark Dexter]

Originally posted by JRutledge
He even told us that there were lawyers giving classes on what to do to sue sports officials.

As I posted on another board (during the flag to the eye incident in the NFL last year), and I'll say again, "What's next?"

Before you know it, every last second shot and travel call will be appealed to the Supreme Court.

[donfowler]

In NC officials in all sports are required to have a physical each year. Same physical is good is you do more than one sport. Form given to the doctor for completion is the same as college.
I think it is a good idea. Several years ago official collapsed during the first game of the HS football season. EMT was at the game and were unable to bring him back.

[AK ref SE]

In my day job, I am a medic. The guidelines I use during a game, is basically the same as if I am walking down the street! If the person is what I feel is stable. Nothing Life-threatening. I observe from a distance. If someone needs CPR or Bleeding stopped that would kill them. I do the basics. In this sue happy world, bottomline " a life is still more precious than money"

AK ref SE

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by AK ref SE
In my day job, I am a medic. The guidelines I use during a game, is basically the same as if I am walking down the street! If the person is what I feel is stable. Nothing Life-threatening. I observe from a distance. If someone needs CPR or Bleeding stopped that would kill them. I do the basics. In this sue happy world, bottomline " a life is still more precious than money"

AK ref SE

I am very happy that you are a qualified individual and you know what to do. But understand that even if you were on the street and someone was hurt, you still could get sued for "interfering" in the process. All that I am saying and many officials say, when an injury occurs and you are in your striped shirt, you are an official, not a medic. Your responsibility is different at that time. There usually is already people there that are supposed to handle the situation. If you get in those folks way and it hurts them further, now you have opened yourself for problems. That is why in football they have an ambulance at the site, they are suppose to take care of any broken bones or serious injuries. If you interfere with them, you open yourself for being blamed for something that you did not even do. There is a reason you are not suppose to touch players (especially in the HS and below levels). Because if you do, the contact can be precieved as something else. And it is not always the reality, it is the preception that matters.

Ask O.J. Simpson. No matter what you think about the man, and really even if he did kill his ex-wife or not, the preception that he did is what he will have to live with for the rest of his life. I was not there, most people were not there when his ex and her friend was killed, but people all over the country believe this man did it based on second hand knowledge.

I do not know about you, if I win or not, I do not have deep pockets to support a million dollar lawsuit. Why do you think the NF has litigation insurance. It is not because it is fashionable that is for sure.

[Brian Watson]

In one of our track clinics we were advised that inaction could open us up as well. For that reason I always have my cell and the exact address of the school with me to call 911. If someone gets busted up I can call asap.

I think your level of responsibility depends on who you talk to. My guess if you asked 100 lawyers they would find reasons to sue one way or the other. Like rules it may vary on one state to the next. I think it is always good to have a lawyer address the association every year. In my aformentioned track clinic we have a lawyer and physician segment every year.

[AK ref SE]

JRutledge-
I understand everything you said, and I agree with what you are saying about when you put on a striped shirt that you are doing a job as an official not as a medic or doctor or EMT.
I am not telling anyone to do what I would personally do. If I am the only one their and someone keels over. Am I afraid of being sued for what "trying to save a life".
It is a catch-22. If I do not do anything, I can be sued also. Normally where I have officiated at their is someone else that is medically trained.
Like I said previously, If it is my choice to sit and watch someone die or save a life or worry about being sued for all my millions(just kidding). A life is more important to me.

AK ref SE

[JRutledge]

I am only telling you to be careful. You have to decide what to do ultimitely. I am sure there would be a situation that your help would be needed. But still, just be careful. No matter what your profession is, you will be looked as an official (competent or not) by the public. Lawyers can be vultures and you do not want to not show blood when unnecessary. But that is why life is complicated at times.

Peace