Pittsburgh Hockey Mom Charged Assaulting Teen Referee

Andrea Bucci, a 38-year-old mother, faces multiple charges including assault on a sports official, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct after allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old referee during a youth hockey game at Robert Morris University Island Sports Center. The incident occurred after the referee ejected Bucci's son for an unsportsmanlike blindside hit, leading Bucci to grab the referee by his shirt and use profanities. Both Andrea and her husband, Michael Bucci, reportedly lunged at the referee in an attempt to intimidate him, though only Andrea has been charged. The Bucci family has since been banned from the Island Sports Center due to prior issues and this incident. The case highlights a troubling trend of aggressive parental behavior in youth sports, often stemming from a lack of understanding of game rules, with officials increasingly reporting concerns for their safety. This event is part of a broader pattern of confrontations between sports officials and parents, underscoring the challenges faced by youth sports referees.