[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Lilblue612

One and all:

In general, I'm specifically looking into whether or not it would be more effective to educate parents, coaches, players on proper behavior, or if new laws with stricter penalties would work better to curb violence. Thanks for your time and input!

IMO there is plenty of education around. In HS each year we receive a card with the Sportsmanship pledge and we are to recite at the plate conference. I believe the other sports also have something similar.

Sports is emotion and therefore, education isn't the answer. It's like giving players / coaches warning after warning.

The slap on the wrist mentality has to be replaced by harsher and stiffer penalties. In addition, Youth events will have to invoke a ZERO tolerance policy.

Also, another BIG problem that IMO NASO or other surveys omit is Officials themselves. Let's not kid ourselves Some Officials are cut-throat and are always looking for that BIG game assignment.

Order on the Field starts from Game one and should be enforced by EVERYONE. However, some officials turn a blind eye and want to keep the peace or stay in favor of a certian coach so they get that BIG game assignment.

Also, associations have to get tougher as well and I mean ALL associations. If a particular league or team cannot control themselves or their fans, simply do not service them. If it's a big game no matter what sport and there are NO offficals present perhaps people sill start to get the hint.

I myself pick the leagues etc I want to officate in. I'm not so concerned about moving up etc. Officiating is not my REAL job and there is one thing for certian, I get enough ajeda from my Day job I don't need it when I officiate. There are plenty of good leagues around so I pick and choose.

Others have provide you with links etc.

Pete Booth