We wonder why there is a shortage of officials...

[Grant - AR]

This is a good reason to never put on that uniform again.

https://twitter.com/csmithbball/status/1510806663175061504?s=21&t=0RWU6VF0Z2xawI2-3HxOUw

[Etref]

While at least two others in stripes just watched!

[HLinNC]

I think local associations should look into contacting law enforcement instructors who specialize in situational awareness training.  It can open your eyes and help prepare you to protect yourself in the event of a potential issue.

Postgame Rule 1 should always be GTFO.

[ElvisLives]

All of us, in all states, should lobby our legislators to enact legislation requiring state licensed peace officers to be provided at all organized sporting events where officials are involved, and that such peace officers shall be present wherever officials are in the performance of their duties, at a minimum, from the moment officials arrive at the event until the officials depart the event facility. Any organized event with officials. Any level. Pee Wee thru major sports championship events.
Note that "in the performance of their duties means arrival, dressing (pre-game/postgame), pre-game preparations, to/from dressing room/vehicle(s) to/from field/court/rink/etc., during the event, until the officials are safely away from the event facility (which may include an escort out of town).

They don't need to be carrying firearms (OK, if they are), but they need appropriate tools to prevent/suppress any physical abuse of officials, and to take law enforcement action as necessary against persons violating local/state law. That may also extend to event participants and spectators, but this is specifically to protect officials. If there is concern about participant/spectator interaction, the event organizers simply must provide as many peace officers as may be required to "keep the peace."

Yep, there will be a cost for this "keeping of the peace." Add that to ticket prices, if necessary.

Nothing less is acceptable.

[AlUpstateNY]

This is a good reason to never put on that uniform again.

https://twitter.com/csmithbball/status/15e10806663175061504?s=21&t=0RWU6VF0Z2xawI2-3HxOUw

This video is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE and the FAULT is entirely the responsibility of the venue.  At RESPONSIBLE venues there MUST be security, either visible Police or identifiable private security.

A practical, and rational HABIT for Officials, is to personally THANK any/all security personnel you pass on the way in, and again on the way out, of EVERY contest.  A simple "Thanks for being here" as you pass by is appropriate, and is always well received.

[ncwingman]

This video is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE and the FAULT is entirely the responsibility of the venue.  At RESPONSIBLE venues there MUST be security, either visible Police or identifiable private security.

According to this article the venue was Stronghold Christian Church.

Simply noting without comment.

[riffraft]

According to this article the venue was Stronghold Christian Church.

Simply noting without comment.

They lent or rented the facilities out to another organization for the event.

[Covid 22]

Just wondering how many of you have been followed from the field to the dressing room or to your vehicle by fans, parents, etc?

It happened to me twice.  Once at halftime after a great call by my HL on a fumble and recovery in the end zone for a touchback.   A fan (father) followed us to the dressing room at halftime yelling not nice things.  We had our escort call security and he was removed from the property.  The chapter, state and local media were blasted for weeks by the fans of this team.   My revenge; this play was reviewed by the state and used in coaches training as a correct call with officials in position to make the call.   The coaches were asked to talk to their booster clubs and share a request for good sportsmanship.

The second time, as we were going to the car after the game, the QB's father came at us full speed.  The sheriff's department at the game had heard that there might be trouble and stopped him before he got to us.  Good thing, my U was a sergeant for the highway patrol and my BJ was a Texas Ranger.  He might have been very unhappy if he had gotten to us. 

[AlUpstateNY]

Just wondering how many of you have been followed from the field to the dressing room or to your vehicle by fans, parents, etc?

It happened to me twice.  Once at halftime after a great call by my HL on a fumble and recovery in the end zone for a touchback.   A fan (father) followed us to the dressing room at halftime yelling not nice things.  We had our escort call security and he was removed from the property.  The chapter, state and local media were blasted for weeks by the fans of this team.   My revenge; this play was reviewed by the state and used in coaches training as a correct call with officials in position to make the call.   The coaches were asked to talk to their booster clubs and share a request for good sportsmanship.

The second time, as we were going to the car after the game, the QB's father came at us full speed.  The sheriff's department at the game had heard that there might be trouble and stopped him before he got to us.  Good thing, my U was a sergeant for the highway patrol and my BJ was a Texas Ranger.  He might have been very unhappy if he had gotten to us.

I made a personal VOW long ago (that thankfully I've yet had to exercise) That if ANYONE (Spectator, parent or Coach) at ANY level (Youth, Sub varsity Varsity) lays a hand on me, I will do WHATEVER is necessary that THEY will be ARRESTED, CHARGED & PROSECUTED.  NO subsequent apologies, No promises.  We OWE it to each other to make sure this behavior EARNS really uncomfortable consequences EVERY TIME.

[JasonTX]

Just wondering how many of you have been followed from the field to the dressing room or to your vehicle by fans, parents, etc?

It happened to me twice.  Once at halftime after a great call by my HL on a fumble and recovery in the end zone for a touchback.   A fan (father) followed us to the dressing room at halftime yelling not nice things.  We had our escort call security and he was removed from the property.  The chapter, state and local media were blasted for weeks by the fans of this team.   My revenge; this play was reviewed by the state and used in coaches training as a correct call with officials in position to make the call.   The coaches were asked to talk to their booster clubs and share a request for good sportsmanship.

The second time, as we were going to the car after the game, the QB's father came at us full speed.  The sheriff's department at the game had heard that there might be trouble and stopped him before he got to us.  Good thing, my U was a sergeant for the highway patrol and my BJ was a Texas Ranger.  He might have been very unhappy if he had gotten to us.

Several years ago after a very tight game that came down to the final play of the game.  The winner made the playoffs and the loser stayed home.  The winning team was the home team.  As we were jogging off the field after the game we noticed a man coming towards us.  The radar wasn't up as he was coming from the direction of the winning team and his facial expressions did not indicate he was mad.  As he got closer to the line judge he began to berate him and at that time the rest of the crew was getting ready to circle this cat.  Luckily for him there were two deputies who were with us and they quickly grabbed this guy and commenced to slamming him into the nearby fence and cuffed him up.  It was quite a sight.  They told us that they don't put up with that kind of stuff there. 

[Kalle]

I've been lucky, the worst I've had is two coaches barging in to our locker room after the game yelling that we were the worst crew ever etc. They left after they had their chance of voicing their complaint.

But I guess the real problem is that I consider myself lucky not to have received any more abuse than that - even that should not be tolerated or accepted by the sports community.

[Ralph Damren]

Remember, Kalle, Finland is the 'happiest country' in our world ,per the UN  !!

My worst experience came BEFORE we even made it to the field. The scene was mid-November at rustic Bowdoin College for a state championship in our previous century. I was to be the umpire  while the white hat's real job was the Maine State Prison Warden  .  As we strolled out thru the rustic ivy-covered runway, the following 'event' occurred :

(1) An empty quart bottle of cheep whisky came a' sailing out of the rustic ole' stands and shattered at the ref/warden's feet  ;

(2) I was standing next to him when he muttered : "Must be one of my alumni greeting me, let's return to our hideaway  !"

(3) Back in the officials' room ,he pulled out a walky -talky -cell phones hadn't yet came to town.

(4) In mere minutes, four uniformed  Maine State Police officers arrived, we only worked a 5-man crew back then, so someone was left unprotected  .  Our journey to the field resumed.. .

(5) As we entered the rustic ole' field, many fans that had witnessed the whisky flavored toss cheered    .

(6) The troopers remained and were stationed ion each corner of the field.               

(7) They waited after post game and escorted us to our cars.  I asked one if he enjoyed the game, and he responded : "It beats the heck out of chasing drunks down the highway  ."

Epilogue : It was a kinder, gentler time back then.
               It is good to have a prison warden on your crew.
                                                                                         

[Etref]

Many years ago, worked a 9th grade game and a “fan” threatened to whip the LJ because of a call (correct call by the way). He alerted me and I found the game administrator [believe it or not at a sub varsity game]. She called local PD and within 2 minutes the “fan” was in the back of an Amarillo PD car. Oh happy days!

[Grant - AR]

I had a junior high coach come into our locker room after a game one time.  I told him, in no uncertain terms, to get out.  He informed us that it was his gym and he could go anywhere he wanted.  I got up, stepped outside and said (very loudly), "I need some security to help us with this coach."  He got the picture and left immediately.