Inspection of helmets before games

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

In a HS game, I don't believe the umpire is liable. It is a preventive umpiring issue that works well. The reason you can ask coaches in HS concerning the proper equipment, but not in ASA or whatever, is because the kids are wards of the school during any school-sanctioned activity.

In ASA or whatever, there is no loco parentis for the purpose of responsibility for a minor.

An umpire would be liable if they knowingly allowed a piece of damaged/non-approved equipment to be used during the game and it resulted in an injury.

Same at the ASA level. The umpires are to check equipment, but it does not relieve the teams of their liabilities.

The one problem I have with your statement about liability in high school games, is that, at least here in NY, is that you as officials are acting as agents of the New York Public High School Athletic Assn., and so are acting (indirectly I will admit) as agents of the school systems. Also in NY, most of the games outside NYC are assigned by, and paid for by an organization called BOCES, which is another organization of local school districts which centralizes technical training, and also acts as the scheduler and overseer of athletic contests in each region. WE have been told we ARE liable, since WE are the representitives of both entities. This is also what gives us the authority over whatever school employees happen to be at a game (security, custodial workers, etc..) Now, it might be different elsewhere, but this is what we are told anyways....

As I said, this has never been a real problem here, as 99.9% of the teams have the 'bats n' hats' out for inspection without having to ask so...


Lou
ASA/NYSSO/CHVBGSO/PONY [did I miss one? ]


the technical term for all of this, I believe, is called covering yer butt!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

The one problem I have with your statement about liability in high school games, is that, at least here in NY, is that you as officials are acting as agents of the New York Public High School Athletic Assn., and so are acting (indirectly I will admit) as agents of the school systems. Also in NY, most of the games outside NYC are assigned by, and paid for by an organization called BOCES, which is another organization of local school districts which centralizes technical training, and also acts as the scheduler and overseer of athletic contests in each region. WE have been told we ARE liable, since WE are the representitives of both entities. This is also what gives us the authority over whatever school employees happen to be at a game (security, custodial workers, etc..) Now, it might be different elsewhere, but this is what we are told anyways....

Here is my problem with your statement, Lou. It sounds more like you are an employee which I doubt the State of NY would agree. Does BOCES required registration, dues/fees and provide insurance? If the answer is yes, that's fine. However, I would find a lawyer to establish the extent of liability for which you are responsible. Obviously, the attorney cannot provide guarantees, but can give you a good idea of where an umpire stands in certain circumstances.