LIABILITY AND OFFICIALS

Negligence on the Part of an Official

Although usually not held personally liable, many referees and officials are finding themselves named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits for alleged acts of negligence. Some officials have been sued for bad judgment calls, (none successfully), permitting games to be played under bad field conditions, allowing events to proceed under threatening weather, and not inspecting safety equipment.

It is the official’s duty to properly officiate the event and in this duty is an obligation to enforce the safety rules. If this duty is ignored or not performed properly, then both the official and the school may be held liable for negligence and any injury to a participant.

Volunteer officials receive partial immunity because they do not have the training and experience of a regular official. However this does not apply if can be shown that he/she is aware of any unsafe equipment or conditions that may cause injury.

Anticipating Reasonable Foreseeable Dangers

Before the contest begins and while the event is in progress, it is the official’s responsibility to determine if the playing conditions are safe. This responsibility would include checking for glass, rocks, holes and any other foreign matter on the track. He must also check all the safety equipment around the throwing events and a safe throwing area for the javelin. If at any time the official feels that it is unsafe to continue, the event should be cancelled. The key is reasonable judgment; the responsibility to call the event rests solely on the shoulders of the official. If this duty is breached both the school and official may be held liable.

Jewelry Rule

The rules state that no jewelry shall be worn. If this rule is not enforced and injury occurs there is a good possibility that the coach and official may be held liable. They have an obligation to enforce the rules and it is a possible foreseen danger. Injuries can occur during a collision, a pile-up, etc.

Official’s Responsibility

The official is responsible for checking for safety equipment and hazards throughout the whole meet, but primarily for the event he/she is assigned to officiate.

Report any incident you may have witnessed and note any hazard found. Write down any information you have regarding this incident along with your observations and witnesses’ names, date, time, and conditions at that time of the incident. This is for your protection.

Event Responsibilities for Officials

Starter- Check track for debris and defects; check hurdles for defects and placement.

Shot-put — Check that pad is clear of debris and that area is clearly marked.

Long Jump and Triple Jump — See that pit is properly filled and pit and runway are free of debris.

Discus — Pad should be free of loose gravel and cage must be secured.

Javelin Area should be properly marked and roped off.

High Jump and Pole Vault — Check padding for defects and proper installation.