Referee Charged with Assault & Battery Following Soccer Match Incident

A referee has been charged with assault and battery following an October 14 incident in which he allegedly assaulted a student during a soccer game between Traverse City St. Francis and Gaylord at the Keystone Soccer Complex.

According to a Michigan State Police release, 64-year-old referee Randall Smith was arrested on October 28 after an investigation into the incident. During the October 14 game, Smith - then a referee for the Michigan High School Athletic Association, though he has since been suspended - was running on the sidelines officiating the game. He tripped over a 16-year-old student manager who was standing in front of a bench on the sidelines. Smith then allegedly raised his flag indicating a penalty, grabbed the teenager by the shirt and pushed him over the bench.

Troopers responded to the Keystone Soccer Complex and submitted a report along with other evidence to the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office. After he was charged with one count of assault and battery and arrested on October 28, Smith was arraigned Thursday in 86th District Court. He pleaded not guilty at the hearing. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 4 at 9:30am.