NCclimber 0 #26 March 9, 2007 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteSo your school gets a lot of ass kickings I'm guessing. We're an engineering school. NO FOOTBALL TEAM. Georgia Tech... Virginia Tech... Texas Tech... What do Georgia Tech, etc., have to do with whether my school "gets a lot of ass kickings"? Just pointing out being an engineering school doesn't preclude having a football program. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jm951 0 #27 March 10, 2007 QuoteQuoteFinally, 1st Am goes out the window at a match when your exercising that right changes player behavior to endanger somebody else on the pitch. that's a scary comment on first blush- the spectator is responsible for the heckling. If he personally crosses the line and start physical threats like throwing things, or pushing other spectators, then that's NOT 1st amendment, it's something already illegal - you don't have to "throw the 1st out the window" - it's crossed the line and isn't a 1st issue. the spectator is NOT responsible if the player CHOOSES to engage in bad behavior due to taunting - the player is responsible for the player's actions there are already laws against physical violence, and instigation of violence. No need for a 'feel good' law. I see you agree there. I think booing and the other stuff is a crappy, tasteless, low class thing to do. But a law against it? dumb Yes, the spectator is responsible for the heckling, but I've seen and heard of times where the players (kids) feed off of it and do stupid things on the pitch that wind up getting somebody hurt, occasionally it is career ending. Remember, these aren't adults on the pitch. Think of it this way, would you condone yelling "FIRE" in a crowded theater? I would venture to guess that there have been a number of incidents that weren't dealt with in CA and kids were being permanently injured, hence the legal aspect. From personal experience- I had a match last spring, both teams were U14 Classic A. These two teams had "history". After the first whistle, it didn't take long to figure out that it was a couple of parents on each side driving the problem. I had a word with both coaches, letting them know that they were being extended a courtesy to deal with the spectators on their sides before I had to. As part of that short conversation, I pointed out that if they couldn't get the parents under control, I would halt the match (with clock running) and eject all the parents and if anyone failed to leave, the match was terminated. Fortunately, the coaches were pretty smart guys and knew where the problems were being generated. By letting them paint me as the bad guy, they maintained their cred and I got what I wanted, a safe match for the kids. There are lots of ways to deal with situations, around here, an ejection of a coach or staff results in a monetary fine from the school system of the guilty party. It's not insignificant either, on the order of $500 and possible termination of employment with the school. Coaches are rarely an issue now, usually just a firm "that's ENOUGH coach!" signals if the conversation goes further, he'll be sent to the parking lot and there's a fine on his next paycheck, if he gets one. Spectators are a problem with some schools, especially old rivals. About all we can do is to terminate the match and see that law enforcement escorts the players (and us!) to a safe area. Yes, it has happened. As an official, I wouldn't be unhappy with said law, depending on how it was written. As a spectator, I can see where somebody getting carried away in the moment can do something stupid and have a legal penalty. Remember, this thread is about HS sports, not collegiate or pro. Similar things apply but are dealt with differently at those levels. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
