Policy for dealing with unruly spectators at Lacrosse games:

1)                  On determining that you have an unruly spectator, at a dead ball or on an official’s timeout, approach both coaches at the scorer’s table and apprise them of the situation, pointing out the spectator or the area from which the abuse is coming.  At this time we would hope the home coach will be able to send someone to deal with the problem.

2)                  If the abuse continues, call an official’s timeout and ask both coaches to go to the offending spectator and after determining whose team the person is representing, hopefully that team’s coach can deal with the person. 

3)                  At the next incidence of abuse, a one minute non releasable UC foul will be called on the team whom the spectator represents.

4)                  If the behavior continues, a second one minute non releasable UC penalty will be called on the team, and the spectator will be asked to leave the field by the coaches.  The game will not restart until the fan has left.

5)                  If the fan refuses to leave, the official will call 911 and inform the local police of the issue.  I have been told that the police forces in the area take this behavior very seriously and will respond to deal with the person.

6)                  We do not want the official to become the person to deal with the problem directly so as not to become more of a lightning rod.  Allow and instruct the coaches on how to resolve the matter.

7)                  If you are approached at anytime after a game by an abusive fan, call 911 and ask for police assistance to deal with the person.  If at any time a spectator enters the field of play in a threatening manner, stop the game, ask the coaches to deal with the person and call 911.  The spectator shall be asked to leave the area. Attempt to get the person’s name and report that person to the police and to WALOA.

8)                  There are no hard and fast situations where spectator abuse is the same every time.  If you have a spectator who makes an outrageous statement to you or to one of the players, please take immediate action, by informing both coaches of the situation and having the spectator removed from the area.  We and the high school association leave the decision of what is abusive and outrageous behavior up to you, and we both will back you in whatever decision you make.

9)                  As mentioned above, please attempt to obtain the person’s name so that the high school association can deal with them.