Illinois H.S. post-game brawl

[BayStateRef]

Originally Posted by Adam

Also, didn't Mass specifically state their jurisdiction ends when the score is confirmed, whichi why the officials cannot call any technical fouls for actions that occur during the handshake? They want to have their cake and eat it, and apparently NASO made an allowance, but that doesn't negate the concerns at the time.

I'm more concerned with the targeting of officials. The very games where supervision is most required are games where we are most apt to be the target of some idiot's wrath.

Yes. I presume it's a typo in your response, but the NFHS sent a ruling that the officials' jurisdiction for the game ends when the referee approves the score. Technical fouls for fighting, taunting, etc. can still be called ... with suspensions of one, two or more games depending on what happened. These suspensions are the same as if the activity happened during the game.

For those who say that's not our job, we have to write the same reports for fighting, taunting, etc. that happens during the game. The MIAA says our "job" extends an extra minute or so.

Officials are not supposed to be on the court alone. Game management stands with us, usually watching our backs. But after so many years of this, it is so "normal" here that fewer ADs are standing with us for a normal game. When it's a "hot" game, they are there and will escort us off the court after the handshake.

Those from other states can say all you want about this procedure, but it is not a debate here. It is required of high school officials. It doesn't stop post-game fights. There was one a few weeks ago involving two Boston teams that resulted in them being suspended from the city championships (they were the top two girls teams). But after six years, I think it has done what the MIAA wanted. It has filtered down to youth leagues, so players, coaches and parents have seen it for many years before they get to high school. I understand it feels strange to most officials here, but it's just not a big deal any more.

[Amesman]

Some things (i.e. a brawl) you might not ever be able to prevent 100%.

But no security?! Sounds like somebody with a desk deserved to be suspended, or at least reprimanded, whatever. Talk about dereliction of duty (whether or not it's codified as "must").

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BayStateRef

Yes. I presume it's a typo in your response, but the NFHS sent a ruling that the officials' jurisdiction for the game ends when the referee approves the score. Technical fouls for fighting, taunting, etc. can still be called ... with suspensions of one, two or more games depending on what happened. These suspensions are the same as if the activity happened during the game.

For those who say that's not our job, we have to write the same reports for fighting, taunting, etc. that happens during the game. The MIAA says our "job" extends an extra minute or so.

Officials are not supposed to be on the court alone. Game management stands with us, usually watching our backs. But after so many years of this, it is so "normal" here that fewer ADs are standing with us for a normal game. When it's a "hot" game, they are there and will escort us off the court after the handshake.

Those from other states can say all you want about this procedure, but it is not a debate here. It is required of high school officials. It doesn't stop post-game fights. There was one a few weeks ago involving two Boston teams that resulted in them being suspended from the city championships (they were the top two girls teams). But after six years, I think it has done what the MIAA wanted. It has filtered down to youth leagues, so players, coaches and parents have seen it for many years before they get to high school. I understand it feels strange to most officials here, but it's just not a big deal any more.

Can you shoot free throws if the team who just won by a point does something stupid in the handshake line? That was my point about calling technical fouls. Actual, real, immediate consequences for stupidity.

I just don't see the point. There's nothing the officials' presence accomplishes that wouldn't be just as easily accomplished by other means that don't involve extending your presence beyond your jurisdiction. Post game fights can always be reported to the state with evidence of a mandatory video tape. GM can watch over this.

I recognize it's become the new normal for you, but I also know officials in MA who have quit hs ball over it after getting assaulted in post game (while standing right next to the AD). If you want to work HS ball in MA, you don't have a choice, that doesn't make it the right way to go about it.