GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Michigan State Police troopers have formally charged a Michigan High School Athletic Association referee with assault after an incident involving a 16-year-old at the Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer Field.
According to a Nov. 13 news release, toopers from the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post responded to 1001 Meyer Road in Garfield Township around 6:50 p.m. Oct. 14 for a reported assault between referee Randall Smith, 64, and a juvenile.
An initial investigation found Smith was running on the sidelines officiating a game when he tripped over the juvenile, who was standing in front of the bench.
Smith allegedly raised his flag to indicate a penalty, grabbed the juvenile by the shirt and pushed him over the bench. Troopers submitted their report and additional evidence to the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office.
Smith was charged with one count of assault and battery and arrested Oct. 28.
He was arraigned on Wednesday in the 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County. His next court appearance is set for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 4.