NFHS - Fights

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by hawk65

On a punt from midfield as the ball is rolling dead near the goalline, players and 3-man crew of officials (one a 2nd year official and the other a rookie working one of the first few games in his career) are spread over half the field. Two players started throwing punches down near the goalline. As I run down their way, I pull my card to start writing numbers. I look again and identify "white #8something" and look again. At that moment, both benches and some fans (JV game, no bleachers, fans lined up along the sideline just behind the restraining line on both sides) swarm over and around me and multiple fights break out. I, my partners, coaches and a few adults had all we could do to separate the combatants to restore order. Standing calm in the middle of the storm writing down numbers was not an option.

I've head the speech that you are to remain outside the fray and write down numbers, but like I said, unless you were there, you don't know what it was like.

I'm not separating anybody. Stand back, write down numbers...been there...done that.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I'm not separating anybody. Stand back, write down numbers...been there...done that.

Yeah, I'm not sure why some people have difficulty with this instruction, which is absolutely by the book. I suppose they think that they have to run the show, even when things get out of control.

[HLin NC]

Fortunately, I can recall only one "fight" in my career and it thankfully wasn't a full scale brawl. The two teams were from adjacent counties and rivals. It was the last game of the regular season. One team was headed to the playoffs but the other was out of contention.

Two opponents squared off late in the game but we were fortunate to get them separated quickly. By rule we ejected both players. The losing coach begged us to turn it in as a disqualification instead so the player on the winning team wouldn't have to sit out the next game, which would have been the playoffs, and the suspension is by rule in NC.

I thought it was a nice gesture by the coach, considering it was of no benefit to his team.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Yeah, I'm not sure why some people have difficulty with this instruction, which is absolutely by the book. I suppose they think that they have to run the show, even when things get out of control.

To be fair most situations do not get totally out of hand. Most situations involve one or two players in the middle of the field and are easily broken up by players and officials. Most of us are "lucky" if we ever get a real big fight in our officiating careers, let alone one that we cannot handle.

Peace