Very Serious Injury

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by just another ref

No matter what the video shows, the officials are not responsible for injuries, in spite of what the fans say: "Y'all are gonna let somebody get hurt out there!"

I know that JrHi games are basically scrums. BUT, if the video shows you were negligent in your duties, you could be in trouble. The first question the officials are going to be asked is this "How did she end up on the ground?" If you can't answer that, it will be EASY to prove negligence on the officials part. If the player went down due to some type of retaliation from the other player, negligence/standard of care again. No we don't "cause" injuries but we can be held responsible.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by Judtech

I know that JrHi games are basically scrums. BUT, if the video shows you were negligent in your duties, you could be in trouble. The first question the officials are going to be asked is this "How did she end up on the ground?" If you can't answer that, it will be EASY to prove negligence on the officials part. If the player went down due to some type of retaliation from the other player, negligence/standard of care again. No we don't "cause" injuries but we can be held responsible.

I'd like to see a written definition of negligence in officiating a jr. hi or below basketball game.

A guy is speeding 100 mph and has a wreck. Is the cop who was on duty responsible?

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by just another ref

I'd like to see a written definition of negligence in officiating a jr. hi or below basketball game.

A guy is speeding 100 mph and has a wreck. Is the cop who was on duty responsible?

It depends. Was the cop chasing them? Did the speeder pass in front of an officer who was monitoring traffic? Were other people involved in the accident? What types of and how many injuries were there? I mean, Barney Fife guarding the bank with his one bullet will not be held negligent for an accident with injuries on I - 95
There is a reason that police departments now have STRICT regulations regarding high speed chases. That is because they HAVE been found as contributory to accidents in these type of chases.
As far as JrHi or below level of basketball, what difference does that make? An officials responsibilities are the same whether it is a college game or an itty bitty league game

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by just another ref

I'd like to see a written definition of negligence in officiating a jr. hi or below basketball game.

A guy is speeding 100 mph and has a wreck. Is the cop who was on duty responsible?

If that cop observed him speeding and chose not to enforce the speed limit, then yes, he could be held to some level of culpability.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

If that cop observed him speeding and chose not to enforce the speed limit, then yes, he could be held to some level of cupability.

No, the cop didn't see him. Kinda like a lot of things in a jr. high game.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

But girls at this age foul and foul and foul. It is not unusual to have 40 plus fouls and 20 plus jump balls.

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

From past experience, these girls have very few skill and just beat up on one another game after game.

They are the hardest to officiate.

I had one game that was 11-12 in Double OT with 50 fouls and not a single basketball. ALL FREE THROWS.

Originally Posted by just another ref

No matter what the video shows, the officials are not responsible for injuries, in spite of what the fans say: "Y'all are gonna let somebody get hurt out there!"

I've observed numerous games over the years where the officials just want to get the check and get out...not calling contact that should be a foul because it will stop the clock. I could anticipate that a major injury in such a game could lead to a ruling against the officials.

If every official would call fouls, the girls will eventually figure out how to play correctly. It is the not calling of these fouls on a consistent basis that leaves the players with the idea that they way they're playing is acceptable. And it will continue until they're penalized for the contact. Sure, it will take 15 minutes longer, but only for a few games. Magically, they'll learn to play with their hands off. It will not help players with "skills" but it will clean up the game.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by Judtech

I know that JrHi games are basically scrums. BUT, if the video shows you were negligent in your duties, you could be in trouble. The first question the officials are going to be asked is this "How did she end up on the ground?" If you can't answer that, it will be EASY to prove negligence on the officials part. If the player went down due to some type of retaliation from the other player, negligence/standard of care again. No we don't "cause" injuries but we can be held responsible.

What difference does it make?

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by zm1283

What difference does it make?

Was the player pushed? Struck? Or did she just fall on her own?

The best case scenario (legally) would be that she just lost her balance and fell on her own.

SNAQ I somewhat agree with you. However, the cases that are brought against officials and settled out of court are not often reported as part of the agreement. Fortunately for us (officials) courts seem to be very lenient/forgiving/ and have not shown an overwhelming desire to pass judgements against officials. But to get the the jury point takes A LOT of money

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Judtech

But to get the the jury point takes A LOT of money

Hence our need for insurance in spite of the lack of any actual rulings against us.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Judtech

Was the player pushed? Struck? Or did she just fall on her own?

The best case scenario (legally) would be that she just lost her balance and fell on her own.

...

I don't see how whether or not the player was pushed/struck would make a difference in regards to liability of the officials unless there was video showing that officials were allowing those kinds of action to occur without being penalized the entire game.

[VaTerp]

Originally Posted by Judtech

Was the player pushed? Struck? Or did she just fall on her own?

The best case scenario (legally) would be that she just lost her balance and fell on her own.

SNAQ I somewhat agree with you. However, the cases that are brought against officials and settled out of court are not often reported as part of the agreement. Fortunately for us (officials) courts seem to be very lenient/forgiving/ and have not shown an overwhelming desire to pass judgements against officials. But to get the the jury point takes A LOT of money

IMO the only thing that would matter about how she fell would be if there was an unsafe playing condition that the officials "should" have been aware of prior to the incident.

I would love to see argument/documented cases for a sports official being held legally responsible for an injury caused by the actions of participants. Especially, in a situation like the one referenced in the OP.

Most parents have to sign liability waivers that include assumptions of risk as part of participating in any sport. Like others have said, this is America, you can sue anybody for anything. But I would bet good money that the overwhelming majority of cases of this nature are thrown out before they ever see a court room.

Here's a link with some info on these types of lawsuits:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?ui...04&topic=10902

[ga314ref]

Originally Posted by VaTerp

IMO the only thing that would matter about how she fell would be if there was an unsafe playing condition that the officials "should" have been aware of prior to the incident.

I would love to see argument/documented cases for a sports official being held legally responsible for an injury caused by the actions of participants. Especially, in a situation like the one referenced in the OP.

Most parents have to sign liability waivers that include assumptions of risk as part of participating in any sport. Like others have said, this is America, you can sue anybody for anything. But I would bet good money that the overwhelming majority of cases of this nature are thrown out before they ever see a court room.

Here's a link with some info on these types of lawsuits:

Sports officials find their decisions, actions challenged in court | Facebook

I'm not an attorney. Generally, a person who plays in a sport is considered to have accepted the risks inherent to the sport. Contact and injury are a part of basketball, and while anyone can sue anyone else, I feel it would difficult to prove negligence in the situation that was described. That said, having insurance is a good idea.

[Terrance "TJ"]

Let me get a few things out of the way here before I put in my response. I am a certified paralegal, I am not a lawyer. I do know a bit about the legal process. I can only offer suggestions and nod/shake my head. SO, note, these are only suggestions available, not sound legal advice. And, for the record, civil tort was the worst part of my training for me. :|

I recall two terms being applicable to this, due diligence (in duty) and negligence. Both could be possibly used here when applied in a court room. And the biggest suggestion(s) I can offer has already been said; write it down!, talk to no one else about it esp. if the rumblings of a case are abound (unfortunate), and get some professional legal help/advice/representation.

Now, for my personal opinion. I see that if courts start keeping refs on the suit, then it will be harder and harder to recruit, maintain numbers, and get guys out on the hardwood.

[Terrapins Fan]

TJ, I agree.

I did find out that she took an elbow to the chest area causing her to fall backwards and she hit her head on the floor cause the break to her Cervical vertebrae in the neck. I still have not heard if she has any paralysis. I pray not.

[Welpe]

In our state, we are required to file a report with the state within three business days of this type of incident. My first e-mail would be to my assigner giving him the heads up that there was an incident and that I will be filing a report. I would then contact NASO's Membership Information and Consulting Program since I am a member. Then I will file the report within the required time frame.

These types of things are why insurance is a great idea and at a relatively cheap price, I think it is crazy not to have it.