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.