UPDATE 10:53 a.m. Oct. 16 |
TRAVERSE CITY — The referee involved in an on-field altercation during Tuesday’s playoff soccer game between Gaylord High School and Traverse City Saint Francis has been placed on indefinite suspension by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
The MHSAA confirmed Thursday that while referees are independent contractors, they must be registered with the organization to officiate games.
The suspended official will no longer be eligible to work any MHSAA-sanctioned contests, including both the regular season and playoff games.
Because the game was part of the postseason, the MHSAA selected the officiating crew based on performance ratings and the number of games each official had worked throughout the year. During the regular season, individual schools are responsible for selecting their own officials.
The Michigan State Police Traverse City Post is continuing to investigate the incident. Once the investigation is complete, the prosecuting attorney’s office will determine whether charges will be filed.
Original story
TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan State Police have confirmed to 9&10 News that they are investigating after an incident involving a referee at the Keystone Soccer Complex.
A video captured during a boys’ soccer playoff game Tuesday night in appears to show a referee pushing a player to the ground on the sideline.
MSP is investigating the incident that happened during the matchup between Gaylord High School and Traverse City St. Francis.
In the video, one of the officials, wearing yellow, appears to bump into a Gaylord player before turning around and pushing him down.
It’s unclear what led up to the altercation or if anything was said before the contact.
Traverse City St. Francis declined to comment on the incident. Gaylord High School, the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office have been contacted for comment regarding whether the official could face disciplinary action or charges.
Updates are expected as more information becomes available.