Officials Association releases statement on Fairfield-Iowa City High basketball game

The Iowa City Athletic Officials Association issued the following statement in response to the altercation during the boys’ basketball game between the Fairfield Trojans and Iowa City High Little Hawks on Monday, Jan. 26.

The Iowa City Athletic Officials Association (ICAOA) has had a long existing relationship with City High and the Iowa City Community School District going back to the founding of our organization in 1970, providing football, basketball, baseball and softball officials.

The officials at the Fairfield vs. City High boys basketball game last night are ICAOA members.

It's concerning that the school district [Iowa City High] would put out a statement accusing the on-court officials of making racially charged comments without first speaking to the officials or the association. Accusations like this deserve to be fully investigated by the appropriate governing bodies and we welcome such an investigation and our members will fully cooperate.

The officials involved categorically deny making any such statements. In fact, it's completely out of character for all of them, and they are shocked and hurt by the accusation.