Question Number: 24812

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/13/2011

RE: High School

Sonya of Auburn, ca USA asks...

In a high school game where a fight breaks out, is it the refs responsibility to try and break up the fight? If not, who should break up the fight?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sonya
It is not the referees responsibilty to break up fights through physical intervention. He can try through the use of the whistle, his voice and positioning to get players to desist. The primary responsibilty rests with the teams to restore order.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Referees are trained (and NFHS rules designed) to prevent mass confrontation by keeping substitutes and others at the bench and by preventing other players from joining a fight in progress. Punches between two opponents usually is a short event - - the players will separate and their teammates grab them. If others join, it can lead to a bench clearing brawl.

In many cases, the referee can get between players who are preparing to fight using voice whistle, and presence to separate them further. The referees, however, should not grab players or put themselves in danger of being struck by an errant punch.

One of the referees will be positioned to be able to observe all of the players and be able to report who did what to whom in the match report to the league.