Fellow Officials
When we go to work a game, we often times don't think about managing the game from the perspective of the safety of the players and protection for ourselves.
When we arrive at game site, we should notify game management. For schools, this person(s) are very recognizable, it's usually the AD or a coach. There is usually school or township police also present.
For games played at other facilities; Rec Ctr., playgrounds or the like, these person(s) may not always be identifiable or there may not be a police or a security presence in the building. This is typical of most independent leagues.
For either situation, we should identify where the host game, league or tournament management person will be during the game. In the event of a problem, we should communicate with them the problem and solutions to remedy the issue. This may include; having a spectator(s) removed from the gym; having teams return to their bench or locker(s); clearing the gym of all spectators; notify the police or EMS, in the event of a medical emergency; obtaining an escort to our locker room and/or to our cars. Whatever the situation, we should remain calm and make sure that the players and ourselves are in not in "harms way".
The last resort, would be to not play or suspend the game. We should never resort to forfeiting the game for one team, even if they instigating or escalating the problem. This should be the last option.
