Colorado Mammoth Message Board

this might just be me but i have noticed that in other arenas refs will allow players to fight until someone goes to the ground and then they break it up. but at the can the refs almost always stop fights before they start. are the refs instructed to do this by the pepsi center, and each arena can choose how they want refs to handle the situation. or is this just how our refs choose to officiate? (_or another reason i dont see_)

thanks, as always

jake

The arenas have absolutely nothing to do with how fights are administered. Fights break out for many reasons and the administration is different in all of them.

When there are two willing combatants, the officials are supposed to let them go until one or both of the players hits the ground or a distinctive advantage is gained where one player has become helpless. The referees will then use multiple tactics to go in and try and equally restrain both fighters until they are separated.

When there is a clear aggressor in a fight the officials will attempt to stop the situation before the fight actually begins.

When there is simple pushing and shoving that is likely to continue to be pushing and shoving the officials will stop the altercation so it doesn't escalate.

Officials have a difficult job in this area but they are instructed to let fights happen if there are two willing participants and no chance for an escalation with other fights and other players.

SG

thanks