Utah People?
 

Anyone officiate in Utah? Heard anything about this? What are the laws in Utah?

Utah ref critically hurt by punch | Comcast

Here is more complete coverage.

Hopefully some DA will try to have the little POS tried as an adult and go after a maximum sentence. Please keep us posted if you live in this area.

There are no special laws for prosecution. The alleged perpetrator will face standard assault/aggravated assault charges

From the article
 

"The game was part of a "rogue league" unaffiliated with the popular Utah Youth Soccer Association or any city or town recreation department...."

That is too bad. I know that here in WA State, assaulting a sports official is a minimum Class C Felony. Hopefully this "kid" gets some serious consequences.

Warning! Be very careful working such leagues or events. They don't care about you. Those who run them usually just do it for the money. Make sure that you have arranged for your own insurance and medical coverage, if you are going to put yourself in such a spot.

I was going to say the same thing. The official in question may not have been certified but hopefully he's a NASO member so he at least has some coverage.

My community organization in NYC always advised us not to work rogue leagues. They said they were aware they couldn't stop us because we were independent contractors but the safety risks were always large, especially when I started with them in the early 90s.

Case in point, this from 1988: Scorecard - 09.12.88 - SI Vault

Several years ago, a bill was introduced to make referee assault a Class A misdemeanor (currently a Class C), but never made it our of committee.

My state representative refused to support the legislation. What a tool.

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. :mad:

Update
 

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.

Oh my.

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.