TORONTO- Allen Rae knows the kind of abuse referees take in sports.
After 38 years of experience as a referee in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and four trips to the Olympics, the 80-year-old – who is now retired from active basketball officiating – understands that tempers can run high in a close game.
Whether it’s heckling from the stands, irate coaches or players getting in your face, Rae said that shouting is just a part of sports.
But once a verbal disagreement turns into physical violence, the line has been crossed.
“I’ve worked in 19 different countries and on one occasion I was physically assaulted by a member of a Cuban delegation,” Rae told Global News, recalling a game he officiated in Mexico. “One (player) threw a couple of punches at me. They lost a close game and they were upset.”
Rae who now works with a technical committee for Sports Officials Canada, said that referees are often held solely responsible for player safety, but he said it really takes the part of everyone participating.
Passion courses through the world of sports and players, coaches, and spectators can get carried away, sometimes with tragic consequences.
In the United States, a teen accused of punching soccer referee Ricardo Portillo who later died from the blow was charged Wednesday with homicide by assault, a count issued when an attack unintentionally causes death.
In the wake of Portillo’s death his oldest daughter, Johana Portillo, said he had been attacked by players before, even having his legs and ribs broken.
The incident has left the world with another reminder of how devastating violence can be.
In youth sports referees also have to contend with the emotions of parents, as well as players and coaches.
In Feb. 2013 police in Durham, Ont., charged a 29-year-old man with assaulting a teenage hockey referee during a game between 7- and 8-year olds in Port Perry.
Police said several parents who were unhappy with the officiating followed the 17-year old out to his car where they confronted and one parent kicked the teenager in the legs.
“We’re fortunate that these instances are extremely rare,” said Todd Anderson, manager of officiating for Hockey Canada. “We have a number of programs in place to ensure that safety of everyone in the game, including referees.”
Hockey Canada released a personal service announcement, “Relax, it’s just a game!” almost a decade ago, which takes aim at parent-player relationships, and encourages parents to make positive choices when cheering on their son or daughter.
“Our slogan still maintains its presence today,” said Anderson. “We try to support a positive playing environment for everyone involved.”
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