KHSAA institutes policy dealing with unruly parents, says poor behavior has directly led to lack of referees
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has adopted a new policy that addresses unsportsmanlike conduct by spectators and has the power to keep parents from watching future games.
Any adult spectator who is removed by school administrators or by law enforcement for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from attending, at minimum, the next contest at that level of competition, and any contests in the meantime, according to the new policy.
Because of an alarming number of incidents involving fans and referees at high school sporting events in the past year, the KHSAA is facing a shortage of referees. The unruly behavior from parents and spectators is attributed to much of the problems, said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett.
There were 313 fewer officials registered with the KHSAA in 2018 than in 2012, according to data from the KHSAA.
The new policy could ban parents or fans from future games for acting inappropriately.
A month ago a referee was attacked by a coach after an AAU tournament game in Paducah. He was arrested for assault.
I completely agree that spectators should maintain composure. I also understand how difficult it is to watch your child and/or others not being advocated for during a contest. It is extremely frustrating when there is obvious favoritism or neglect of duty which leads to kids being injured. That is unacceptable.