GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Michigan State Police troopers have formally charged a Michigan High School Athletic Association referee with assault after an incident involving a 16-year-old at the Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer Field.

According to a Nov. 13 news release, toopers from the Michigan State Police Traverse City Post responded to 1001 Meyer Road in Garfield Township around 6:50 p.m. Oct. 14 for a reported assault between referee Randall Smith, 64, and a juvenile.

An initial investigation found Smith was running on the sidelines officiating a game when he tripped over the juvenile, who was standing in front of the bench.

Smith allegedly raised his flag to indicate a penalty, grabbed the juvenile by the shirt and pushed him over the bench. Troopers submitted their report and addition

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