Here we go again...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

Indiana did that a few years back, it was wrapped up in a sportsmanship deal from IHSAA. There was a banner that you could display in your gym and I think there might have been a scholorship associated with it also. There was a list of things that had to be done, one was parents watch a video on sportsmanship, there were stipulations about coaches not getting thrown out of games and other items I forget now in order to keep current on the program and be able to continue to display the banner. Not sure if it worked or not, but I watched it so my DD could play volleyball!

The problem is this is just another "feel good" program that doesn't stop those who are going to become violent or out of control in public. IOW, it makes people who wouldn't make a public spectacle think twice about what they wouldn't do anyway.

Then you come to the issue of what is poor sportsmanship and what is hidden under the cover of "heat of the competition" mentality. As noted before, the pro's act like children and the coaches like a**holes and the officials are supposed to be deaf. The same has filtered down into the college and HS games. This is one reason I could never official basketball or football. There are not enough T's or yellow flags for me to make it to the end of the game.

[AlabamaBlue]

The way I understood the law the assault on an official charge is a seperate additional charge. In other words, the offender would be charged with both the standard assault/battery and assault on an official.

[Dakota]

Fine, but why does assaulting an official over a game ejection result in a greater penalty under the law than assaulting your neighbor because he asks you to leave his property? Does your neighbor not deserve the same protections as a game official? Is the fan a greater threat to society than the hot-tempered neighbor?

[DaveASA/FED]

Fine, but why does assaulting an official over a game ejection result in a greater penalty under the law than assaulting your neighbor because he asks you to leave his property? Does your neighbor not deserve the same protections as a game official? Is the fan a greater threat to society than the hot-tempered neighbor?

Tom,
I understand your point, but I would argue yes they are a greater threat to society. Your neighbor has an issue with a person that is treading on their property, that idiot fan has gone crazy over a stupid game. I think protecting your own property is different. That aside I know there is a point to your post, someone that strikes another out of anger should be subject to the same penalty. I still see another side, someone walking down the street gets into a fight with another, maybe 10-15 people tops see that act of aggression, however a coach strikes an official there are hundreds of people who see that act of aggression most of which (in high school and below) are young impressionable people. Having an authority figure like a coach displaying an act of aggression to that point is just flat out giving a bad message to youth, and it should be met with strict penalties that will show the idiot he screwed up, and more importantly IMO show the next guy that might blow his top that there are strict penalties I better keep my cool. I know another arguement about penalties as a true deterrant but I think it would send a message, JMHO

[AtlUmpSteve]

Dave, I see your point, but .....

How does the Texas law cited help? It only applies to fans; it exempts coaches and players from that added charge, because it must be committed by a non-participant (fan) against a participant (player, coach, or official).

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

Tom,
I understand your point, but I would argue yes they are a greater threat to society. Your neighbor has an issue with a person that is treading on their property, that idiot fan has gone crazy over a stupid game. I think protecting your own property is different. That aside I know there is a point to your post, someone that strikes another out of anger should be subject to the same penalty. I still see another side, someone walking down the street gets into a fight with another, maybe 10-15 people tops see that act of aggression, however a coach strikes an official there are hundreds of people who see that act of aggression most of which (in high school and below) are young impressionable people. Having an authority figure like a coach displaying an act of aggression to that point is just flat out giving a bad message to youth, and it should be met with strict penalties that will show the idiot he screwed up, and more importantly IMO show the next guy that might blow his top that there are strict penalties I better keep my cool. I know another arguement about penalties as a true deterrant but I think it would send a message, JMHO

You have my example backwards... the agressive, crazy neighbor is the one being asked to leave, not the property owner. So, he is not protecting his property, he is just nuts.

[DaveASA/FED]

I see, and I didnt' read the law that closely. That makes no sense....


Bottom line in the words of Ron White "You can't fix stupid, there ain't a pill you can take ain't a procedure they can perform."

I will add not a law you can write......