For Once I Agree with the French....
 

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=2619190

French parliament protects refs with new law
Reuters

PARIS -- The French parliament on Tuesday passed a law to give greater protection to referees in all sports from acts of violence.

Under the new law, causing injuries to a referee resulting in a work stoppage of over eight days will be punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of 75,000 euros.

Violence against referees has increased in France in recent months. A referee needed 10 stitches in his head and suffered a partial loss of his eyesight after being hit by stones during an amateur soccer game in southern France in May last year.

"This is an appropriate answer to the concerns expressed by French referees as well as by all sports federations," French Sports Minister Jean-Francois Lamour said of the new law.

I agree, violence has definitely taken a turn for the worst. I was doing a game, pre-season High school. It doesn't even count on the books. I was actually threatened by a fan. Had him ejected and I was asked if I wanted to file charges. Now that was a surprise that I was even asked. I guess a threat is just as bad and committing the crime.

Yes, it has! Violence has gotten all nasty and evil. I miss the good old days
when a person could just enjoy a nice evening of violence without actually being naughty. Darn kids these days.... :D

You know what I meant, violence is violence, but now harm is actually taking place. Before you would get a flat tire, broke window, now shooting, stabbing and broken limbs. That is what i meant by turn for the worst, bodily harm is being done..

I see this in AAU all the time and we are definately open season out there!