TRAVERSE CITY — The referee involved in an on-field incident during Tuesday’s playoff soccer game between Gaylord High School and Traverse City Saint Francis has been charged with a misdemeanor.
According to Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg on Oct. 23, Randall S. Smith, an assistant referee from that game, is being charged with assault and battery.
The charges come as a result of a video that was captured during a boys’ soccer playoff game, which appears to show a referee pushing a player to the ground on the sideline.
The charges were brought by the family of a 16-year-old student team manager who was also involved in the incident.
If found guilty, Smith faces a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of 93 days in jail.
Police responded on the day of the incident and took statements. The MHSAA confirmed on Friday, Oct. 17 that Smith is no longer registered with the association.