The Ohio High School Athletic Association is reviewing an incident involving a Steubenville High School soccer player who appeared to deliberately knock a game official to the ground during a boys soccer tournament matchup against New Philadelphia.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening, Oct. 27, during a Division III district semifinal game and was captured on video that has since circulated widely on social media.
The footage shows an official preparing to issue a red card to a Steubenville player when another player runs toward the official and strikes him with his shoulder, sending him to the ground.
The official remained on the field following the collision as other players reacted to what had happened.
OHSAA Director of Communications Tim Stried confirmed the association is aware of the incident and has been communicating with Steubenville school officials about disciplinary measures.
In a statement emailed to Jordan Miller News, Stried said the association was awaiting information from the school regarding its planned punishment before determining whether additional sanctions would be necessary.
“The school has indicated that punishment will be significant, which the OHSAA agrees with,” Stried said.
Stried emphasized the seriousness of physical confrontations involving officials, describing such conduct as among the most severe violations that can occur during a high school athletic event.
“Physical violence against an official is among the most serious offenses that a coach, player or fan can commit and the OHSAA will pursue this to the fullest extent,” Stried said.
Steubenville City Schools has since confirmed disciplinary action was imposed following a review of the incident conducted in cooperation with the OHSAA. The district has not disclosed the specific punishment, citing student privacy laws.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of high school sports officials.
The referee reportedly suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung and received hospital treatment following the collision. The OHSAA indicated the official’s condition was improving, according to published reports.
New Philadelphia defeated Steubenville 2-1 to advance in the postseason tournament.
The OHSAA has not publicly detailed any additional penalties against the student-athlete.
