Evansville, IN Parent Attacks Referee During 1st–2nd Grade Basketball Game at Elementary School
Authorities say the individual stormed onto the court, yelling at and physically confronting the referee.
December 16, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 15, 2026
A youth basketball game meant to promote teamwork and fun for elementary-aged children was disrupted Saturday, December 13, 2026, after a parent assaulted a referee during a 1st-2nd grade game at Highland Elementary School.
According to a post by DC Dashcamz News & More, Evansville Police Department officers were called to the school following reports of parents attacking coaches during the game.
Witnesses told police that the incident unfolded after a foul was called on a child, leading one adult, identified as a parent and assistant coach of one of the teams, to become visibly enraged.
Authorities say the individual stormed onto the court, yelling at and physically confronting the referee.
Multiple witnesses reported that the offender chest-bumped and shoved the official, prompting other adults to step in and escort him off the court as children and families looked on.
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Before leaving the scene, the individual allegedly escalated the situation further by threatening the referee, reportedly stating, “I know where you live.”
Police arrived shortly afterward, but the suspect had already left. At the time of the report, it was unclear whether charges had been filed.
The incident sparked a strong reaction from parents, coaches, and former officials across the Evansville community. Teri Nash commented,
When I coached and officiated youth sports 99% of the time the parents not the children were the problem.
Others pointed out that the age of the children involved made the behavior even more disturbing. Autumn Rich, a graduate of Tell City High School, wrote,
It’s literally a little kids game anyways where scores and fouls don’t really matter. It’s the fact that the kids are playing and having fun
“People actually take elementary sports that serious?” asked Presley Watherholt, while Jessica Myers ,
They are children. The outcome of the game isnt going to effect their future. Your reaction as a parent will effect their future.
Several commenters criticized not only the parents’ actions but also the role of adults who coach or assist with youth teams. Donna Rickets, a graduate of FJ Reitz High School, ,
Youth sports should be a learning experience in a fun environment. We were involved in CJBL and travel basketball leagues for many years. The kids have plenty of time for serious play in Middle and High School. Parents need to support their kids in a positive way. And for the coach to behave this way is totally unacceptable.
Calls for accountability were common throughout the discussion.
Some community members questioned why the individual was not immediately charged, given the physical confrontation and alleged threat.
Rick D. Allerellie wrote,
How long did it take EPA to get there,???? and what do you mean, he had left the scene, you know his name, you know where he lives, why is he not charged with assault, said he chest bumped the referee and touched the ref, that’s assault, so just because he left the scene nothing’s going to be done,, hope they’re following up on it and interviewing him and also the witnesses you can’t assault a referee or anyone else, so he made a threat to the ref about knowing where he lives and because he left the scene,
Former officials also weighed in, sharing firsthand experiences that illustrate why incidents like this are contributing to a shortage of referees nationwide.
Kyle Klem, who has officiated youth and junior high games for over a decade, ,
I’ve officiated grade school and jr high games for 13 years. I’ve been followed by parents after the game to my car. Screaming, cussing and threatening to fight. All while their son and or daughter is present. It’s no wonder that finding officials is getting harder and harder to do. People just do not want to put up with negativity and threatening comments. From out of control parents over a grade school game. I’ve seen other stories from around the country. Where officials have been physically assaulted after games. It’s only a matter of time before you see something like that in southern Indiana. And it’s reasons like this why many officials are stepping out of that profession. The pay is not worth the aggravation and the threatening comments over a meaningless grade school game.
Many expressed concern for the emotional impact on the children involved, particularly the offender’s own child.
“I bet the man’s son wished he would have stayed home,” commented Maralyn West, while Linda Ellington added, “Think how that child might feel. It’s heartbreaking.”
Others called for stronger consequences, including banning the parent from school property or youth sports programs. Angela Evans ,
That parent should be banned from EVSC property aside from parent teacher conferences and disciplinary meetings.
Dena Crane Rowans said she the individual would be barred from future games altogether.
Wow!! I hope they banned whatever parent that was . Way to teach your kids about good sportsmanship
However, at the time of publication, Evansville Police had not released further details regarding potential charges or follow-up actions.
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