Crowds Rushing the Floor

[Bad Zebra]

I had it happen exactly once at a HS rivalry game. Home team hits a 3 point buzzer beater for a one point win...crowd (students and parents and supporters) go wild and rush the floor...probably 800 in attendance. Doesn't sound like that big of a deal but it was a little unnerving. Our crew was caught in the mayhem as we tried to get out of the gym. The main thing I was worried about was some idiot thinking they could take a free shot at any of us. Two sherriff's deputies in attendance watched at the exits.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

I had it happen exactly once at a HS rivalry game.

Me too. 3 pointer at the buzzer. We got off the floor with no problem.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Me too. 3 pointer at the buzzer. We got off the floor with no problem.

I've had it happen a few times. Once it was completely predictable (big upset, game well decided) and I had already planned my escape route and was a few steps into it when the horn finally went.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Rich

I've had it happen a few times. Once it was completely predictable (big upset, game well decided) and I had already planned my escape route and was a few steps into it when the horn finally went.

I've had two buzzer beaters in the past three weeks. Developed our escape plan during the final timeout each time. So I have no idea whether they rushed the floor or not.

[deecee]

What do I care if fans rush the court. Am I going to T up the home school for this. Heck no. I'll be off the court way before any of the madness really.

Even if it happens prematurely, which could always be a possibility. I would clear the court up first then just pick up where we need to. Unless told otherwise, this would be how I would handle this.

[Bad Zebra]

Originally Posted by Rich

I've had it happen a few times. Once it was completely predictable (big upset, game well decided) and I had already planned my escape route and was a few steps into it when the horn finally went.

I'll admit, it caught the whole crew by surprise...probably because we hadn't seen it in a HS game before. It was a district playoff game between two schools we hadn't seen that season. We had to run the full length of the gym to get to our room...through the sea of humanity as it happened. A little anxious as we fought the tide but we made it through without incident.

[junruh07]

Do colleges have a plan to get security personnel to officials when this happens, or does it take everyone by surprise? I was surprised by Wisconsin rushing the floor, since they were ranked and all, but normally people can see it coming. I would just hate it as an official to get swallowed up by a crowd like that. I remember seeing John Higgins elbowing his way through the crowd a couple of years ago in a Big 12 game. As long as nothing has ever happened, at least that I have heard of, it isn't a big issue.

[deecee]

Originally Posted by junruh07

Do colleges have a plan to get security personnel to officials when this happens, or does it take everyone by surprise? I was surprised by Wisconsin rushing the floor, since they were ranked and all, but normally people can see it coming. I would just hate it as an official to get swallowed up by a crowd like that. I remember seeing John Higgins elbowing his way through the crowd a couple of years ago in a Big 12 game. As long as nothing has ever happened, at least that I have heard of, it isn't a big issue.

Unless the mob was out to hang the officials this isn't really a problem. It's just a bunch of kids wanting to celebrate for whatever reason, usually a win.

[junruh07]

I would expect that it wouldn't be a problem as well, but it would make me pretty uncomfortable if I was one of the officials.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by deecee

Unless the mob was out to hang the officials this isn't really a problem.

Be careful how you word your posts. I still wear an old fashioned noose lanyard. It coordinates with my black belt.