Would you / Do you carry a gun to games?

[Texas Aggie]

Texas won't allow you to carry IN a school (parking lots OK, as long as it stays in the vehicle) and they won't allow carry at a sporting event, pro or amateur.

If you are worried about your own security, you need to either 1) make sure sufficient security is there; 2) hire your own security; or 3) not accept the assignment. No game is worth a breach of my personal security. I have a couple of contacts that are Texas peace officers and would probably go to a game with me if I needed them. I hope it doesn't come to that, as I will then seriously consider quitting.

[AZ_REF]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

Texas won't allow you to carry IN a school (parking lots OK, as long as it stays in the vehicle) and they won't allow carry at a sporting event, pro or amateur.

If you are worried about your own security, you need to either 1) make sure sufficient security is there; 2) hire your own security; or 3) not accept the assignment. No game is worth a breach of my personal security. I have a couple of contacts that are Texas peace officers and would probably go to a game with me if I needed them. I hope it doesn't come to that, as I will then seriously consider quitting.

Same laws in AZ. Although if you have a CCW, you may be able to carry to sporting events, that's something I need to check.

I would never accept an assignment where I felt I needed a gun with me for my own safety. 99% of all varsity games here have at least 2 uniformed officers at the gym, and I've seen very few issues here (thank god).

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by AZ_REF

Same laws in AZ. Although if you have a CCW, you may be able to carry to sporting events, that's something I need to check.

I would never accept an assignment where I felt I needed a gun with me for my own safety. 99% of all varsity games here have at least 2 uniformed officers at the gym, and I've seen very few issues here (thank god).

Then why carry a gun?

Peace

[jmaellis]

I'm a Calif. LEO. I could take my firearm with me to the gym if I wanted to and leave it in a locked locker while I am officiating, but I can't think of any reasonable/responsible reason that I should, so I don't. I rely upon the on-site security for safety issues. I think that if I ever get to the point where I feel that I have to be armed before I feel safe leaving a game ... well, that's probably about the time I hang up my whistle. Granted, to date I've only worked HS volleyball, but I can't imagine my attitude changing when I start HS basketball this year or the next.

Even as a spectator arriving at at game immediately after work, I can only think of a handful of times over the past 15 or so years that I went into a gym armed. It seems unnecessary, and the likelihood of needing to use it is slim; combine that with the danger of being in a crowded gym, kids everywhere, etc. it's a potential bad situation that I would rather just avoid.

There are some jurisdictions that require their LEOs to carry off duty as long as they are not drinking, some departments "encourage" their officers to carry off duty, I work for an agency that simply give me the option; and I typically choose not to. I'd rather be a good witness than a dead off duty cop. With that said, there are more that a couple people in a Salt Lake City mall on 2/12/2007 that owe their lives to an off duty Ogden police officer who was carrying his firearm and engaged a gunman who was shooting randomly at shoppers in the mall.

The famous crime writer Joseph Wambaugh wrote that the off duty handgun, often the very first purchase for a rookie police officer, is in all likelihood the one item that will surely get him/her into trouble faster than anything else.

[mbyron]

Nothing in the ethics of officiating permits killing people. What a ridiculous thread.

It takes some cajones (or lack of intelligence) to toss a political hot potato and then invite posters not to share their political views.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Nothing in the ethics of officiating permits killing people. What a ridiculous thread.

It takes some cajones (or lack of intelligence) to toss a political hot potato and then invite posters not to share their political views.

As long as we focus on "how to deal with the laws that exist" (that is, "if allowed by the laws in the area where we work, and if you own a gun, should you take it to your game?") and not on what the law should be ("everyone should have one" "no on should have one"), then it's a valid question.

Personally, I think the stenographer mis-quoted the framers of the constitution -- they were talking about the right to wear t-shirts.

[AZ_REF]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

As long as we focus on "how to deal with the laws that exist" (that is, "if allowed by the laws in the area where we work, and if you own a gun, should you take it to your game?") and not on what the law should be ("everyone should have one" "no on should have one"), then it's a valid question.

Couldn't have set it better myself. Thanks.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by jmaellis

I'm a Calif. LEO.

Who cares what your sign is?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

This is for all you Marine Corps veterans. I never take a rifle to a game, but I always take my gun to a game.

MTD, Sr.

[Ref in PA]

If I ever feel the need to carry a gun to a basketball contest, then it is time for me to get out of officiating. I love being an official, but not that much.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

This is for all you Marine Corps veterans. I never take a rifle to a game, but I always take my gun to a game.

MTD, Sr.

But is is a rifle or a snub nose?

[jmaellis]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Who cares what your sign is?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Who cares what your sign is?

I believe it matters. I think we should outlaw Libras and Cancers from carrying guns. They're too unstable.