Inappropriate Fan Signs

[Archie Lib]

My personal favorite was at an NHL game where someone held a sign up to the ref that said "Hey Dan. I think you're pregnant. You've missed two entire periods."

Completely not basketball related but hey. Points for creativity.

[Mark Padgett]

[Rich1]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

No. If game management has an issue with it tgen they can handle it but until it starts to affect the game then I'm not getting involved (and no, I don't think hurting a players feelngs is enough). Admin cachoose to handle signs they deem offensive, obtrusive, or inappropriate as they see fit.

Although it is insensitive and politically incorrect, the above is a creatively funny way to negate the other sign.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Rich1

No. If game management has an issue with it tgen they can handle it but until it starts to affect the game then I'm not getting involved (and no, I don't think hurting a players feelngs is enough). Admin cachoose to handle signs they deem offensive, obtrusive, or inappropriate as they see fit.

Although it is insensitive and politically incorrect, the above is a creatively funny way to negate the other sign.

That sign uses "gay" as an insult and a slur. It is unacceptable in our society, including at a sporting contest.
The correct answer is to stop the game and notify the game admin to have the sign removed. Sticking your head in the sand and thinking that this type of behavior is someone else's problem is not being a positive participant in progress and actually contributes to a continuance of the problem.

[Rich1]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

That sign uses "gay" as an insult and a slur. It is unacceptable in our society, including at a sporting contest.
The correct answer is to stop the game and notify the game admin to have the sign removed. Sticking your head in the sand and thinking that this type of behavior is someone else's problem is not being a positive participant in progress and actually contributes to a continuance of the problem.

I don't disagree that this is unacceptable and as an administrator I would have the sign removed. But as a ref I am there to concentrate on the game (may not even notice the signs depending on how big the venue is) and until it affects the game I won't address it. If their yelling slurs, profanity, etc. then I'm with you. Signs, cheers, or innocuous chants that don't rise to the level of interference are left to admin.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Rich1

I don't disagree that this is unacceptable and as an administrator I would have the sign removed. But as a ref I am there to concentrate on the game (may not even notice the signs depending on how big the venue is) and until it affects the game I won't address it. If their yelling slurs, profanity, etc. then I'm with you. Signs, cheers, or innocuous chants that don't rise to the level of interference are left to admin.

If you don't see it that's one thing, but if a player or coach points it out to you I believe that you have a duty as a game official to take appropriate action. We can all discuss what that should be, but ignoring it certainly isn't correct.

Btw has anyone seen the stories on this incident?
http://fox40.com/2015/01/20/st-marys...acial-tension/

http://m.kcra.com/news/usa-chant-at-...cheer/30831388

[Hugh Refner]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

http://fox40.com/2015/01/20/st-marys...acial-tension/

Kind of ironic that this link is to a basketball story on a channel called "Fox 40".

[Rich1]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

If you don't see it that's one thing, but if a player or coach points it out to you I believe that you have a duty as a game official to take appropriate action.

Agree with this 100%. If a player or coach points it out then I believe it is now having an affect on the game, at least from their perspective, so I would ask the game admin to have it removed. That doesn't mean every sign they object to should go just because they don't like it but if the signs content or intent is racial, contain slurs, denagrade any group, or are too "over the top hurtful" in nature and its pointed out to me I will address it.

Its no different than dealing with those fans who think because they bought a ticket they can say or do what they want. If a fan is yelling at the players, coaches, or referees (no matter how obnoxious) but is not cursing, getting racial, or going deeply personal then I would ignore it. But when they become profane, obscene, bring up personal matters, etc. and a player or coach complains to me about it (or I hear it) then I will address it with administrators - especially in my high school games as we are dealing with minors on the court who do not deserve such treatment.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Rich1

I don't disagree that this is unacceptable and as an administrator I would have the sign removed. But as a ref I am there to concentrate on the game (may not even notice the signs depending on how big the venue is) and until it affects the game I won't address it. If their yelling slurs, profanity, etc. then I'm with you. Signs, cheers, or innocuous chants that don't rise to the level of interference are left to admin.

You don't consider that a slur?

[Rich]

Last night I was working a BV game and I went to the end of the bleachers to stretch my hips and calf muscles, like I usually do.

There I saw a small airhorn, brought in by a fan.

I said nothing, but since the AD was nearby taking care of a spill, I whispered something into his ear. A few minutes later, I saw the AD with the airhorn.

We can take care of stuff without it looking like we're making a Federal case out of it.