Referee Assault Policy

Referee Assault Policy
On October 16, 2022, at a non-sanctioned USA Ball Hockey event, an incident involving violence against a referee occurred. This assault on the referee by a player was egregious and USABH was provided video, audio and eyewitness testimony of the incident.

In the interest in unifying the sport and to demand that the sport be a safe environment for all, USABH conducted an investigation of the incident. A committee of three people were assembled that had no previous knowledge of the incident or the parties involved. The committee interviewed the player, the referee and several eyewitnesses that were in close proximity of the incident. The committee also reviewed the video and audio evidence that was provided at great length. Additionally, the committee researched precedent for incidents such as this one in other sports and concluded that the player acted in a violent, unsportsmanlike and unreasonable manner against a referee.

This is a matter that USABH takes very seriously. USABH heavily condemns the actions of the player. It is the committee’s recommendation after their investigation that the player be subject to a lifetime ban from any USABH activities and the Board of Directors have agreed to uphold
the committee’s recommendation. Without the rule of law, our sport cannot exist. We must protect our referees and take any steps necessary to ensure that the rink is a place for all to be safe, have fun and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Safety for everyone on the rink should always be our #1 priority.