Adults are bringing aggression to youth sports. Have things gone too far?
Lawmakers want to pass laws that would protect referees from harassment from parents.
Over the past 12 months, there have been at least three instances of referees being assaulted at youth sporting events in Massachusetts.
Referees
Last week, a local umpires association said it would stop working with Taunton West Little League after two of its officials were harassed by parents during and after a recent game. Tyler Doehler, president of the little league, said in a statement that the behavior of the adults involved was “absolutely unacceptable.”
“Moving forward, we are implementing a zero-tolerance policy regarding any criticism of umpires,” he said. “Our focus remains on getting the kids back on the field and allowing them to complete their amazing season.”
Due to the apparent increase in the physical and emotional harassment of referees, several state lawmakers are stepping in with proposed legislation.
The bills focus on making it a crime to specifically harass a sports official, no matter the level they’re employed at.
The maximum penalties under two of the bills would be two and a half years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
One bill presented by Lowell’s Rodney Elliot includes a minimum penalty of 90 days of incarceration and a $500 fine. Elliot’s bill also goes a step further by making it illegal to force a sports official to remain on the playing field after an event is finished.
Is this an overreaction to a few incidents of parents getting too intense at their kid’s sporting event or has the culture around youth sports led to aggression and harassment?
Boston.com wants to know what you think and hear about your recent experiences at youth sports events. Are adults in the crowd crossing the line?
Let us know your thoughts in the poll below or email us at [email protected] and we may feature your response in a future Boston.com article or on our social media channels.
Sorry. This form is no longer available.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address