The judge to make the call?

[BayStateRef]

The judge ruled against the officials. Opening games in most leagues are Friday night. The officials have to hang around for the handshake.

After hearing arguments in a courtroom filled with referees, high school administrators and MIAA officials, Judge Christine M. Roach ruled against the MSBOA. During the two-hour hearing, the group argued that the new rule might cause physical harm, expose them to added liability and interfere with their contractual relations.

“The court respects the safety and reputation concerns expressed by the plaintiffs,” the judge wrote. “However, the court finds plaintiffs have not met their burden to demonstrate the required level of imminent, non speculative, substantial and irreparable harm to their physical, reputation, or financial interest …”

Worcester Telegram & Gazette Front Page News