ASA - out of control fans

[txtrooper]

I have also successfully used the coach as a tool to calm fans, although it has backfired on me. I told a coach that if he was not able to control his parents/fans that his team would forfeit the game. The game was not going that coach’s way and he simply stated that he would forfeit; I told him that the choice was his. My partner and I walked off the field at that time.

[Tru_in_Blu]

I've been fortunate to not have any escalated situations. There have been upset players at calls that didn't go their way, and as a result a few ejections.

I'm curious, though, about the comments about contacting the TD, UIC, etc., during the course of a game. In most games I've worked for regular league play, I'm usually the only official at the game, and in some leagues, I will have a partner.

In tournaments, we might see our UIC on occasion but he spends his time moving from one set of fields to another.

I guess my point is that if I need to halt a game to be in search of a tournament official, do I leave the field, send a partner to find someone, what? I don't carry my cell phone with me while doing a game, and at some of our fields, I might have to walk half a mile from my car to the field.

Borrowing someone's cell would work, but I don't have phone numbers memorized. So do you guys keep phone numbers in your pocket?

I did a game this week which resulted in my first ambulance visit to the field. Catcher had her feet taken out by a sliding runner while she was in mid-air trying to field a high throw. She came down hard. People there finally decided to call 911 to get the ambulance there. Coaches decided to call off the game and EMTs had the girl in a neck brace and were getting ready to put her on a back-board/stretcher to take her to the hospital.

I guess the difference here is that folks/fans/parents were being helpful. Agitated folks/fans/parents aren't likely to want to help, unless the "other team" associates step in.

Thanx for any guidance.

[charliej47]

I have never done a tournament where I did not have a UIC or a Field director on-site.

I have been the only umpire on a field during regular season play and as I stated I have walked off and used the police.

I have tossed players and coaches and other than having the police remove ley fans, I don't interact with fans.