Dad Body-Slams High School Ref

A parent body-slammed a referee, giving the official a severe concussion, during a high school basketball game played under stepped-up security, police said Monday.

The referee was treated and released from the hospital, and police charged the man with simple assault, assault on a sports official and disorderly conduct.

The varsity basketball game Friday between Deer Lakes High School and Hampton High School was canceled immediately after the assault.

Officials say the rivalry between the schools has escalated to new highs over the past year. A large fight broke out between students at the two schools during a game last season, and a baseball game was canceled as a precaution, according to police.

In an effort to prevent more fights, administrators for both schools agreed to hold closed-door games this year, where only the players' parents and grandparents were allowed to attend. A closed-door game was played earlier this season without incident.

Their efforts apparently failed Friday.

Peter J. Dukovich, 47, of Gibsonia, allegedly attacked referee Ronald Bell, 57, after Bell asked security officials to escort Dukovich's wife out of the gym for yelling obscenities at the him, police said.

They say Dukovich's wife, RaeLynn, complained that Bell was making bad calls.

"Her husband came down onto the court, picked up the official, threw him on the ground with his back striking first and then his head hit the floor," according to West Deer Township police Chief Jon Lape.

Police cited her for disorderly conduct.

Moments before the attack, two West Deer police officers providing extra security for the game at Deer Lakes had to subdue the crowd of about 60 after players from both schools got into a shoving match on the court, Lape said.

"This whole incident shouldn't have ever happened," Lape said. "We have parents who are supposed to be role models but instead we have problems occurring with parents fighting."

Peter Dukovich was released on his own recognizance. A hearing was scheduled Wednesday before a district justice. He declined to comment Monday.

A telephone message left for a Ronald Bell wasn't immediately returned Monday afternoon.

School officials will file a report to the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League, which governs sports for the neighboring school districts in Pittsburgh's northern suburbs.

"Obviously, it's an unfortunate situation that it did happen," Hampton High School Athletic Director Bill Cardone said Monday. "We're gathering information — statements from coaches, players and people in attendance. We're reviewing the tape of the incident and will file a report."

Deer Lakes officials are considering asking WPIAL to separate the schools so they play in difference conferences, Lape said.