Utah People?

[Altor]

The man's daughter says he has had broken ribs and a broken leg before from officiating. He's been in a coma since Saturday.

[grunewar]

Utah soccer referee in coma from player's punch

[Bad Zebra]

Worst conclusion possible :

Police: Utah soccer referee punched by player dies

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

Worst conclusion possible :

Police: Utah soccer referee punched by player dies

He should have no protection as a 'youthful offender' now. Manslaughter charge at a minimum. Hope the organizers of this rogue league have insurance, because they are going to have a huge settlement to pay.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

Worst conclusion possible :

Police: Utah soccer referee punched by player dies

Oh my.

[dave30]

It has been a long time since I've heard something like this that makes me as mad as I am right now.

This should be an eye opener for all the overzealous fans, players and parents in these rec leagues. (sadly, it won't be I'm afraid)

I have pretty much stopped refereeing youth basketball because the organizations are so out of control. I'm sick of the parents living their lives through their kids and forgetting that the game is supposed to be fun. I'm sick of players who have zero respect for authority because their parents and coaches have the same attitude and let it filter down to the players.

I definitely pick and choose and only work places where I personally know the commissioner of whatever league I work. I want to know that he or she will have my back if there is a problem.

[Kelvin green]

The soccer field this happened on was less than 5 miles from my home. This really was close to home. I have been the US Army for a long time ...when a fellow soldier dies it is tragic but we volunteer and know the risk, but to see a fellow official die on the field because someone was upset over a call is utterly pointless

. It is a sad day in Utah sports

I am at a loss...

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Kelvin green

It is a sad day in Utah sports.

It doesn't matter where you're from.

[The_Rookie]

Originally Posted by dave30

It has been a long time since I've heard something like this that makes me as mad as I am right now.

This should be an eye opener for all the overzealous fans, players and parents in these rec leagues. (sadly, it won't be I'm afraid)

I have pretty much stopped refereeing youth basketball because the organizations are so out of control. I'm sick of the parents living their lives through their kids and forgetting that the game is supposed to be fun. I'm sick of players who have zero respect for authority because their parents and coaches have the same attitude and let it filter down to the players.

I definitely pick and choose and only work places where I personally know the commissioner of whatever league I work. I want to know that he or she will have my back if there is a problem.

This is exactly the issue in a nut shell...I hope the heads of the youth league take notice but I am afraid that since the parents are paying the freight for their kids to play and the leagues are money makers that hesitancy to deal with out of control parents exists!

[BigT]

(Utah Referee talking about his brother who referees in Utah)

My heart aches today for the loss of a fellow official. Ricardo Portillo's family deserved better.

On a related issue, my brother was accosted at an AAU basketball game on Saturday by the site supervisor, who was upset that games were behind and he blamed the referees. As a result of the passing of a fellow official, and the marked uptake in violent behavior towards referees, my brother is composing what will be a very strongly worded letter for distribution to all press agencies in the state calling for increased protection of officials and openly condemning those in leadership positions who have sat by and let this escalate. We are asking that any official willing to join us in the campaign to protect officials in all sports, at all levels, and in all organizations in the state to please contact us. We are also looking for those willing to contribute to the content of the letter by way of sharing experiences they have had. We both realize this will not be popular. But neither of us can stand idly by any longer while officials are told to just have thick skins and to suck it up. It's not part of the game. Dying is not part of the game. If you feel this is important enough, would you please forward this to officials so that those that want to may contribute or sign the letter.
Thanks,