Death of an Official

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?! A school has an official die in the dressing room, and they go on with the game anyhow? Unreal!!

If the people that were involved did not have a problem with it, I do not know how you can tell them they were wrong. This is not an across the board situation. Maybe I missed something from the article, but it did not say when he was declared dead or if the officials knew for sure when they went out on the court (which might be implied but not clear). If the officials did not have a problem with this, not sure any one here from the cheap seats can either.

Peace

[Adam]

Sounds like he died at the hospital afterwards, right?

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If the people that were involved did not have a problem with it, I do not know how you can tell them they were wrong. This is not an across the board situation. Maybe I missed something from the article, but it did not say when he was declared dead or if the officials knew for sure when they went out on the court (which might be implied but not clear). If the officials did not have a problem with this, not sure any one here from the cheap seats can either.

Peace

Agree 100%. Well said.

[bgtg19]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Agree 100%. Well said.

I also agree that Jeff's post was well said. I support the officials' collective decision to work the game in the official's honor. I would have supported the officials' decision to be replaced on the game if they had decided that was appropriate.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If the people that were involved did not have a problem with it, I do not know how you can tell them they were wrong. This is not an across the board situation. Maybe I missed something from the article, but it did not say when he was declared dead or if the officials knew for sure when they went out on the court (which might be implied but not clear). If the officials did not have a problem with this, not sure any one here from the cheap seats can either.

Peace

In addition, I think this was some tourney with teams coming from a long distance. It would be difficult or impossible to reschedule. While there are clearly some circumstances that could / should cause it to be cancelled, more is done to get these games in than "normal season" games.

[Time2Ref]

I agree, it should be what each official wants to do. Funny thing about death: It's for the dead. The living must go on living.

I think there is a special place in heaven for officials. No fouls, nothing but good sportsmanship from players, coaches, and fans. Kids actually learn good life lessons from playing a game.....

My prayers are with this official's family.

[ltllng]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

In addition, I think this was some tourney with teams coming from a long distance. While there are clearly some circumstances that could / should cause it to be cancelled, more is done to get these games in than "normal season" games.

To clear up any issues, so that everyone may understand the circumstances:

This was a regular season varsity girls game between Chicago Marian Catholic vs. St. Louis St. Joseph Academy on a Saturday night. Jerry had just finished the 5:30 JV Girls game and collapased in the locker room. The Varsity officials called 911 and a defibulator was used to revive him. He was alive when he left for the hospital and died at the hospital a little while afterwards. All 3 varsity officials were given the option to be replaced by other officials and again, in Jerry's honor, decided to referee the game.

I had worked with Jerry several times over the last several years and enjoyed every minute of it. He was a great coach and referee and gave back a lot of his time to the community.