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LTJG Richard Bruce
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I am starting my tenth year as a soccer referee. Three weeks ago, had to terminate my first game back since March due to a father's non-stop harassment of the asst referee. Two years ago, had to call the county sheriff to remove a drunken father who disrupting the game and trying to start fights with other parents. About four years ago at a Catholic middle school game a very large father who was active duty or a recent Army vet was physically hyperactive during the game just short of threatening. I quickly left the game because I knew something bad was going to happen and I didn't want to do the paperwork. I was right. He got into a fight in the parking lot.

As a referee, my tolerance for misconduct is getting very short. There are escalating procedures on dealing with off field troubles. First ask both coaches to deal with their parents. Get a field marshall, if one is available to deal with the problem, caution (yellow card) coaches is problem continues, then nuke the game with termination. Walking off the field ending the game has its own dangers. I've been followed to my car by parents threatening to beat me up. Have had parents take my photo and posting online with nasty comments. Coaches have complained to state management.

I tell coaches and parents that I've been yelled at by professionals after eleven years in the service and working with longshoremen for many years on the New Orleans' waterfront. There is nothing they can say or do that I haven't already been through. After every game, I clear my mind and start over again.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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If true, needs to be flogged, kicked out of the Navy, and jailed.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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SSG Carlos Madden then have him keel hauled, say he was looking for barnacles.
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SSG Carlos Madden
SSG Carlos Madden
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth - That's diabolical.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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SSG Carlos Madden thank you for the compliment.
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