John Locke once wrote, “All mankind … being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.” Four centuries later, Locke would be dismayed to see how often that principle is ignored—especially in athletic venues. Officials—the symbols of law and order in our games—continue to face abuse, harassment, and sometimes physical danger.
Recognizing the growing need to protect officials, the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) has made game security a top priority topic at its Sports Officiating Summit. The message remains clear: security isn’t a luxury—it’s a shared responsibility.
The Need for Security
“It doesn’t matter the sport or the level—security needs to be part of the pregame conversation,” said Mark Uyl, Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). “Officials, administrators and game managers all have roles to play to make sure the environment is safe for everyone.”
Uyl emphasized that effective safety planning must go beyond crowd control. It starts with communication. “Before the contest, the officials need to know who their point of contact is. That person should be visible, available, and able to make quick decisions if something happens,” he said. “That’s where things often break down—when no one knows who’s really in charge once the game starts.”
Too often, Uyl explained, the only plan is reactive. “If there’s a fight or a fan confrontation, we see people improvising. Good security means planning before that moment—knowing how officials enter and exit, where they park, who escorts them, and what happens if emotions boil over.”
Planning and Communication
Game administrators should have officials’ contact information and ensure officials have theirs. That communication should begin before arriving on site, especially for large events or venues with a history of unruly fans. Establishing clear procedures for entry, dressing room access, and departure helps prevent confusion and reduces tension when a game ends abruptly or emotionally.
“Even for youth and high school sports, having a plan matters,” Uyl said. “It’s not paranoia—it’s professionalism.”
Before every contest, the officiating crew should also meet to review how they’ll respond if tempers flare or a disruptive incident occurs. Rivalry games, playoff matchups, or contests with known history between teams deserve extra attention. Discussing possible scenarios ahead of time—how to pause play, who will communicate with coaches or security, and how the crew will regroup afterward—allows officials to act decisively rather than hesitate in the moment. A calm, coordinated response reinforces credibility and keeps situations from escalating further.
Modern security planning should also include digital awareness. Officials today face not only in-person threats but also the risk of online harassment or doxxing. Video clips from games can go viral instantly, sometimes edited unfairly or shared without context. Associations are increasingly encouraging officials to limit what they post publicly, report online abuse through their state or governing body, and be aware of social media privacy settings.
Arrival and Departure
Some of the most vulnerable moments for officials occur before and after the contest. Arriving in plain clothes, using a discrete entrance, and leaving as a crew remain smart practices. Whenever possible, administrators should provide a secure or private parking area—well lit and monitored by cameras. If none exists, officials should park together and leave as a group.
“We’ve had too many stories of officials being confronted in parking lots,” Uyl noted. “Even simple steps like walking together or having a staff member nearby make a difference.”
Inside the Venue
Once inside, security depends on restricting access and maintaining separation between teams, fans and officials. Credentialing systems have improved since many policies were first written. Venues that use mobile or RFID credentials or digital access controls can better track who enters officials’ areas. Surveillance cameras in hallways and entrances—never inside locker rooms—also deter misconduct and document incidents accurately.
Security meetings between officials and on-site event managers, or administrators, before the contest should review emergency communication methods, including public address systems, radios, and text alerts. Everyone should know the plans for severe weather, medical emergencies, and physical threats.
Professional Courtesy and Presence
Joan Powell, long-time NCAA volleyball official and former national rules editor, said many safety issues can be avoided through professionalism and tone-setting. “We can’t always control how people act, but we can control our approach,” she said. “When officials treat others with respect, arrive prepared, and communicate clearly, it lowers the temperature for everyone.”
Powell encourages officials to model composure—even when confronted by hostility. “Fans and coaches feed off your energy. If you appear calm and confident, that helps maintain order,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean ignoring potential danger. If you sense a situation escalating, trust your instincts and ask for assistance.”
“Fans and coaches feed off your energy. If you appear calm and confident, that helps maintain order.” — Joan Powell
The Role of the Administrator
Uyl and Powell agree that responsibility doesn’t rest solely with the officials. Administrators set the tone and must make safety part of event operations. “Athletic directors have to be proactive,” Uyl said. “They should communicate expectations to fans, coaches, parents, and players before the season even begins. That’s when you set standards for behavior.”
Venues should post codes of conduct prominently, remind fans of consequences for harassment, and train game management personnel to step in early when behavior crosses the line. Increasingly, administrators are using fan-reporting tools or social-media monitoring to spot potential problems before they escalate.
When the Game Gets Heated
Even with the best preparation, emotions can boil over. If an incident occurs, officials should prioritize personal safety first—then documentation. “Never try to confront an angry fan or coach alone,” Powell said. “Leave that to the site manager or security staff. Your job is to exit safely.”
Afterward, report the facts promptly and objectively. “Stick to what happened,” Uyl added. “Who said or did what, when, and how. That report becomes critical if there’s any follow-up or disciplinary action.”
After the Incident
Every official should be familiar with their state’s procedures for reporting incidents so they know exactly what to do when something unexpected happens. Reporting may take the form of an online submission, an email, or—in some cases—a written statement. Submitting your incident report as soon as possible is key to controlling the narrative. An accurate account of events is imperative in today’s age of social media. If officials don’t document what actually happened, players or parents may fill the void with inaccurate claims online, creating confusion for supervisors and administrators trying to sort out the facts.
In addition to completing an incident report, modern associations encourage officials to look after their mental and emotional well-being. Verbal abuse, physical confrontation, and online targeting can have lasting effects. Many state offices and associations now offer debriefing sessions, counseling referrals, or peer-support programs following serious incidents. Addressing the human side of safety is just as important as managing the logistics.
Beyond the Traditional Game
Security isn’t limited to high-profile stadiums anymore. Youth tournaments, club sports, recreation leagues, and even esports events all need clear access control, staff accountability, and behavioral standards. Organizers should think about crowd flow, secure storage, and online streaming policies just as carefully as larger venues do.
The Bottom Line
Safety begins with awareness, but it succeeds through collaboration. Officials, administrators, coaches, and fans share the same goal: a fair, respectful contest that ends with everyone going home safely.
As Uyl summarized, “You can’t eliminate every risk, but you can be ready. Preparedness and professionalism—that’s what keeps everyone protected.”
By combining practical planning with modern tools and mutual respect, every official and administrator can help ensure the game stays about the game—and nothing else.
