KING COUNTY, Wash. — A bad call by a parent has landed them behind bars.
A video that has made its way around social media shows a parent taking matters into their own hands at an eighth grade basketball game at Kenmore Middle School.
Kenmore police say after a skirmish between players, a parent rushed the court and assaulted one of the referees at Thursday night’s game.
His injuries were severe enough that he was transported to a nearby hospital.
“We’ve had our situations but nothing to what you saw last night,” says Todd Stordahl, executive director of the Washington Officials Association.
He says referees are used to the boos and jeers but not to physical attacks. “There’s never a reason, especially at a middle school or high school level to cross that line and take it personal with an official,” says Stordahl.
A spokesperson with the Northshore School District says they do not condone violence of any kind adding, “The expectation is that participants, parents, and spectators uphold and model the highest standards of sportsmanship.”
Kenmore police say the suspect has turned himself in and was booked for felony assault charges.
In the meantime, Stordahl hopes this incident reminds parents that these officials are members of the community just like they are. “We need to get that message out to parents that the people out on the floor are parents themselves.”