Fan comment

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Welpe

For the same reason that I would have a fan removed that uses vulgar or obscene language.



They are when their actions have the ability to poision the game.



I didn't realize that in Ohio an ejection was considered an award. Is a traffic ticket there considered a prize?



If a fan's behavior rises to the point where it grabs my attention, having them removed ensures I can get back to doing my job. I'm sorry you don't think so. What I do know is that in the rare occasions I've had to have a fan removed, the atmosphere and tone of the game have noticeably improved. I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

Welpe:

You are missing my point. By reward, I mean the "fans" now knows that you are listening to him and not doing your job on the court. Let them scream their lungs out. Is their behavior a disgrace? Yes. Do we care? No.

I have had game management involved only three times with regard to spectator conduct in 41 years of basketball officiating. And I have also umpired HJ.S. and youth baseball and fastpitch softball since 1993 and H.S. soccer from 1993 to 2006.

1) Almost 40 years ago I had a sheriff deputy remove a very large male spectator who stepped onto the court and pushed me from behind just after a throw-in had been completed in boys' H.S. jr. varsity game.

2) Almost 25 years ago I had an A.D. remove a group of boys who goosed a female player with an Alf stuffed doll while she was attempting to make a throw-in.

3) About 15 years ago I had game managment remove two spectators from a AAU Boys' National Championship tournament game because they ran onto the court to protest a Held Ball call my partner had made on a blocked shot.

Does this mean I don't know what is going on in the stands or fans never get upset with my officiating? Absolutely not. I haven't done my job as an official if I haven't pi$$ed off at least half of the fans, . The point is don't be an official who only officiates soccer, especially ones from Ohio; they think that their job is to control not only the players but the spectators.

If you think that spectator conduct is affecting the way the players are acting, let the coach know and he will deal with his players.

MTD, Sr.