Official Attacked
 

Referee attacked after basketball game | News - Home

This happened at a Houston ISD middle school, a school where I've worked games in the past.

Many times, especially during middle school games, my partners seem to not understand why I make it a point to leave as quickly as possible. It's bad enough I have to go to the table to grab my jacket, but some partners want to stay and chat, change shoes, etc. Protect yourselves out there folks. Keep your awareness heightened and get out of there ASAP.

Time to boycott that school. If the school isn't stepping up, if people aren't saying who is responsible, someone saw it but they aren't saying, then it's time to not have officials there.

It's sad that this happened.

I don't work for that particular chapter anymore but when I did, I swore off middle school games for certain districts. My concern over my personal safety and the apparent disinterest of those schools to ensure it being the major reason.

One more reason I cannot stand working those games anymore. You work with guys that do not have a clue and the fans do not have a clue. I am sure this person's kid will not even remember the outcome in a week and people treat it like they just lost the NBA Finals in a regular season, nothing game.

Peace

Apply for a CCW people... nevermind that happened in TX.

This is why I carry an AK-47 in my bag. :eek:

Oh we have them here, they're just called a CHL instead of a CCW.

Is wondering if that would come up. I just started carrying a .357. I still haven't figured out how to carry comfortably on the court though, and I'm very hesitant to leave it in my bag. Usually I just leave it locked in the car, but that does me no good.

Edit: I just realized that most schools are "gun free zones" and if you're even caught with a weapon on school grounds, you could face some sort of charges.

From the story...

Changing on the floor? Don't they provide a room for that?

You would be surprised. There are many places you have to insist on a changing or private room as they do not seem to understand the inherent problem with not doing so. And you deal with officials (if you read previous threads) that seem to not insist on having a room for anything.

Peace

At a middle school? From my experiences more often "no" than "yes".

Remember the big discussion we had about officials changing in parking lots or coming dressed to games?

That's pretty much how it is around here for middle school games. 99% (SWAG) of officials show up dressed though some do change at the school. They are not usually expecting to have to put us somewhere to change. It's hard enough to get water from some schools.

Don't even think about carrying on a court and don't leave it where it can't be securely locked up. There is an exception in the Federal gun free zone law for CHL/CCW/CWP holders but here in Texas you cannot legally carry in a school building or where a school sponsored activity is in progress. I'd be surprised if OR doesn't have similar laws on the books.

In my experience, very rarely is a room provided that is suitable for changing for JH games.

They do not have a class room somewhere?

Peace