There has recently been a shortage of volunteer officials and referees throughout the country, and after a recent video that has gone viral on social media, it’s easy to see why.
In a video shared by Jeff Lytle on Twitter on Saturday night, a parent stepped onto the court to argue with a referee during what appears to be an AAU basketball game. The argument quickly escalated, resulting in the fan dragging the official toward him and punching him multiple times.
The official responded to the attack by tackling the parent into the bleachers before a group of fans intervened to break up the fight.
Right here in Fort Wayne Indiana. Why is it ok to attack a official? When is it going to stop? This is why we don’t have officials! pic.twitter.com/NmF4cB7eiS
— Jeff Lytle (@jefflytle_37) May 21, 2023
“Right here in Fort Wayne Indiana. Why is it ok to attack a official? When is it going to stop? This is why we don’t have officials!” Lytle said in a tweet on Saturday night.
The fight has since gone viral on social media with plenty of people offering their reactions to the shocking scene.
Fighting a ref at an AAU tournament is probably time for you to reconsider some things pic.twitter.com/5YdL0OQCvh
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 21, 2023
Told it was a parent from the Blue Water Hurricanes 8th grade boys team from Flint/Brighton Michigan.
Still working on finding out his name. https://t.co/dk49Ca2m4B
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 21, 2023
Disgraceful. https://t.co/IHhF9M1tjU
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) May 21, 2023
Observations/Questions:
1) The current generation of children is exposed to things previous generations of kids were not. However, the previous generation is the current parent. Where did things go wrong?
2) I’ve been a college head coach for 11 years and have had very few… https://t.co/gmv2saHaV7
— Craig Doty (@CoachDoty) May 21, 2023
What’s sad is there was a fist fight in our tournament in Noblesville today. Two parents from opposing teams. Kids were crying. We need to gain some perspective & gain it quick. https://t.co/a6ybENz0WO
— Tony Adragna (@CoachAdragna) May 21, 2023
Can’t understand why there’s a shortage of officials. https://t.co/hpzz2ADRll
— John Bohnenkamp (@johnbohnenkamp) May 21, 2023
What is going on??? Something has to be done about this. I don’t know what happened. I don’t care. This is trash. https://t.co/q12SEHnfFq
— William Payne (@TweetsbyCoachP) May 21, 2023
As long as things like this continue to happen, it’s safe to say that it will continue to be difficult for many sports leagues across the country to find enough officials to adequately ref their games and events
