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Independence, MO —
Usually I’m not a fan of the state legislature sticking its nose into the sports world.
The state representatives and senators have considered trying to take over the Missouri State High School Activities Association in the past, and that was a very bad idea.
But the Missouri House is currently considering legislation that would make penalties stiffer for attacking a sports official in the state.
And that is a very good idea.
It’s OK to disagree with a call now and then. I have to say I even have from time to time when watching my daughter’s games.
But officials in any sport have a tough enough time without having to worry about someone attacking them after – or during – the event.
And this proposed legislation would make people who have an inclination to do such things think twice before they act. Such attacks, under this bill, would mean the person instigating it would face up to a year in jail or a $1,000 fine. As of now, most of these attacks would fall under third-degree assault, which is punishable by only a $300 fine.
“I don’t think anyone should be allowed to physically contact a sports official,” Rep. Steve Hodges, D-East Prairie, a co-sponsor of the legislation which has yet to receive a committee hearing, told the Associated Press. Hodges should know because he has served as a high school football official for 40 years.
This bill would protect officials from youth games to high schools to professional games.
Dale Bowen, who helps run the Heart of America Pop Warner league in Independence, told the Associated Press that youth sports are more difficult to control these days, though he added that the Independence league hasn’t had any attacks in the past five years.
Pop Warner uses a uniformed police officer as a deterrent at its nine fields on Necessary Road in eastern Independence. Bowen said that the officer helps escort any unruly fans from the property.
Bowen said he supports the bill.
“With the kids, that’s the last place where we need anything like that,” Bowen said.
I agree. High school-age children and younger should not be subjected to idiotic parents and fans attacking an official. Not only does it set a bad example for youths, there is an increased chance that it could escalate into more violence, and that could lead to even more serious crimes.
I agree with the jail time, but I would boost the fine – say, up to $5,000 at the discretion of the judge depending on the severity of the violation. Of course, anything that goes above this would face the penalty for the crime that is committed.
I also wouldn’t stop at officials. I would make coaches a part of this bill as well. They deserve the same amount of protection as the referees and umpires. The attack on Blue Springs South soccer coach Steve Bettlach a few years back by a parent should be a lesson for that.
Get behind this bill and let your state reps and senators know that it’s a good idea. This isn’t the state legislature trying to run something it has no business running. It’s a simple reminder to parents, fans and players to keep themselves under control.
Usually I’m not a fan of the state legislature sticking its nose into the sports world.
The state representatives and senators have considered trying to take over the Missouri State High School Activities Association in the past, and that was a very bad idea.
But the Missouri House is currently considering legislation that would make penalties stiffer for attacking a sports official in the state.
And that is a very good idea.
It’s OK to disagree with a call now and then. I have to say I even have from time to time when watching my daughter’s games.
But officials in any sport have a tough enough time without having to worry about someone attacking them after – or during – the event.
And this proposed legislation would make people who have an inclination to do such things think twice before they act. Such attacks, under this bill, would mean the person instigating it would face up to a year in jail or a $1,000 fine. As of now, most of these attacks would fall under third-degree assault, which is punishable by only a $300 fine.
“I don’t think anyone should be allowed to physically contact a sports official,” Rep. Steve Hodges, D-East Prairie, a co-sponsor of the legislation which has yet to receive a committee hearing, told the Associated Press. Hodges should know because he has served as a high school football official for 40 years.
This bill would protect officials from youth games to high schools to professional games.
Dale Bowen, who helps run the Heart of America Pop Warner league in Independence, told the Associated Press that youth sports are more difficult to control these days, though he added that the Independence league hasn’t had any attacks in the past five years.
Pop Warner uses a uniformed police officer as a deterrent at its nine fields on Necessary Road in eastern Independence. Bowen said that the officer helps escort any unruly fans from the property.
Bowen said he supports the bill.
“With the kids, that’s the last place where we need anything like that,” Bowen said.
I agree. High school-age children and younger should not be subjected to idiotic parents and fans attacking an official. Not only does it set a bad example for youths, there is an increased chance that it could escalate into more violence, and that could lead to even more serious crimes.
I agree with the jail time, but I would boost the fine – say, up to $5,000 at the discretion of the judge depending on the severity of the violation. Of course, anything that goes above this would face the penalty for the crime that is committed.
I also wouldn’t stop at officials. I would make coaches a part of this bill as well. They deserve the same amount of protection as the referees and umpires. The attack on Blue Springs South soccer coach Steve Bettlach a few years back by a parent should be a lesson for that.
Get behind this bill and let your state reps and senators know that it’s a good idea. This isn’t the state legislature trying to run something it has no business running. It’s a simple reminder to parents, fans and players to keep themselves under control.
