This story relates to “Create a Safe Environment for Officials,” which appears on page 3 of Officiating Youth Football 2007-08

Don't Play Games With Your Safety

Unfortunately, in today’s culture, it doesn’t take too long for most officials to be followed out to their car after a game, be threatened during or after a game or perhaps even endure a physical assault.

Far too many schools still don’t provide adequate changing facilities for officials — especially for spring sports. Too often, baseball and softball officials can be found in a parking lot struggling to put on their gear before a game. The potential that provides for “exposure” is just one part of the problem. What happens after a tough game? You have to go right back out there and remove layer after layer of clothing and equipment while agitated fans walk perilously close by.

Despite numerous states enacting legislation to punish those who attack officials, untoward incidents still occur regularly. So how can you protect yourself in this era of aggressiveness?

Partner up. The first and most obvious way for officials to protect themselves is to arrive, dress and leave with their partners. Officiating manuals have long advised that as the professional thing to do, but now the suggestion goes beyond appearances. There is safety in numbers, so before, during and after a game, you and your partners should be inseparable. Discuss before the first pitch, tip, snap or kick how you will leave the playing field, dressing area and parking lot.

Who’s in charge here? Another often-overlooked bit of pregame business is to identify the game-site supervisor. Often at the high school level that person will be the athletic director. At other levels, or non-school sponsored events such as AAU tournaments, that designation can blur. Arrive at the game site early enough to find and identify the person in charge of the game site. Before you even get in uniform, find out from that person how you and your partner are to get on and off the court, who (if anyone) will accompany you, who will handle unruly spectators, if there will be uniformed security personnel available and where they will be located.

Safety first. Other techniques for remaining safe after a game are little more than common sense.

Don’t get into a shouting match with an irate coach, player or spectator during or after a game.

Leave the field of play immediately and swiftly with your partner at the conclusion of the game. Never dally to chat with coaches or players.

Park as close to an exit as possible, but away from fans. Park “nose out.”

If you had to dress outside, keep your car keys accessible. Don’t stop to change clothes after a game if there are people wanting to “engage” you.

Safety for the official should be everyone’s concern, but the reality is that it begins and ends with you. Taking even the minimal proper precautions can help assure that you don’t become another statistic.