Another legal question

[ljudge]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

What if a parent seeking a better view of the play strays into the path of an official causing the official to crash into him and break a leg.

Do we have a lawsuit against the parent?

Heck, I think you do. Parents should know they shouldn't be near the field of play. Common sense would have to prevail with the lawyers.


But, to take it to another extreme. THIS REALLY HAPPENED! I was working the umpire position in a 3-man midget game about 6 years ago. The play went away from the HL's side. In 3-man the R takes the sideline and the U runs up the hash. The play broke for about 60 yards in the home-side side zone.

As I ran up the hash I can see the coaches running on to the field toward me screaming (they were trying to get me to stop). Of course I have my back to the visitors sidelines keeping the runner properly boxed in. Low and behold as I got to the endzone I turned my head slightly to the right and I can see out the corner of my eye a TODDLER about 2 years old was running about a yard deep in the endzone parallel with the endline.

If I hadn't looked to the right I wouldn't have seen this kid. I literally had to stop in my tracks but couldn't so as I'm stopping (but still moving) I kind of grabbed the kid to keep him from falling to the ground. He was directly in my path.

Where was the parent you ask? On the sidelines (beyond the fence) shooting the sh!t with other parents. The gate was wide open and the parent simply let the kid stray away. I joined NASO after that incident.