As the Area Director for the Durango Area Basketball Officials, I feel compelled to set the record straight.
First and foremost, Sheryl Kaufman and Rob Dean did a great job of hosting district basketball the weekend of Feb. 24. I was an official on one of the earlier games, and watched both girls and boy’s final games. While the fans from both sides were passionate and loud, they were never out of control in any of the games.
Second, the Colorado High School Activities Association requires officials to be escorted. From the moment we walk into the school, we are escorted to our dressing areas and from the dressing area to the court. At half, we are escorted back to our area. At the end of the game, we are again escorted back – for every game.
I walked off the court with the officials and can unequivocally say they were not escorted off the floor because of fan behavior. I double-checked with all three officials and none of them had any issues with any fans.
I’m not sure where the Herald received such information, or why they felt it necessary to report it. I hope for the sake of the staff, fans and potential officials, they will retract their statement and make the right call!
Timothy Sparks
Durango
