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Refereeing isn't supposed to be dangerous. But those who (often volunteer to) do so are increasingly facing dangers to their mental health and well-being AND their physical health while they are trying to do their jobs for our kids.
During a Steubenville-New Philadelphia boys soccer game this week, an official was injured so badly he had to be hospitalized. Video evidence shows a Steubenville player who may have been reacting to a red card being given to a teammate charging at the official, knocking him to the ground. According to published reports, the referee suffered a collapsed lung and broken ribs.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has not had much to say, understandably, as investigation into the incident continues -- and given that everyone is trying to follow the rules regarding student privacy. OHSAA did say it has been talking with the school about punishment for the player, and that the organization believes punishment from the school "will be significant."
That is as it should be, but the incident MUST become an opportunity to discuss not only with students but with their families and other fans the boundaries and respect due to referees and other officials.
It's getting harder and harder to find people willing to work as referees because of the treatment they get -- often from adults who should know better. In fact, one has to wonder what kind of behavior (and language) toward officials the Steubenville player has seen modeled.
"Physical violence against an official is among the most serious offenses that a coach, player or fan can commit and the OHSAA will pursue this to the fullest extent," the OHSAA said in a statement posted on social media.
That pursuit must include renewed efforts to support referees and other officials by showing fans, families, student athletes and coaches they are expected to do better, and that harassment and assault will simply not be tolerated.