ST PAUL, Minn. – There's a dark side to youth sports – from the little league to the high school level.
Reports of unruly spectators, including parents, have increased, and in a recent survey of thousands of umpires, umpires and officials, 70% said sports performance was deteriorating. And half of all officers surveyed said they feared for their safety.
Now there's a push at the Minnesota Capitol to crack down on people interfering in the game.
“There can be moments when someone forgets it's about the kids,” St. Louis Park parent Chris Blissett said as he watched his son play basketball. “I also think that children can learn a lot about life here.”
However, some experts say some people forget these lessons.
“We want to send a message, behave,” said Rep. John Huot. “If you fall to the ground and become aggressive in any way towards a player, a coach, a referee or a match official, you have crossed the line.”
Rep. Huot is not only a lawmaker but also a referee for two decades who plans to introduce a new bill next week that will punish those who misbehave the most. He said he has colleagues who report being followed home, having popcorn thrown at them and even having their whistles taken away.
“We forget that this is a game and that it is an experience for these students and that it is supposed to be a positive experience,” Rep. Huot said. “It’s not a positive experience.”
In its new bill, the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission could fine anyone who interferes with youth sports activities up to $1,000. This includes entering the field of play, having an object enter the field of play or physically obstructing a referee.
“I will make bad decisions, I have made bad decisions, but that is part of the game,” said Rep. Huot. “It’s okay to be temperamental, that’s what we tell the players. It’s okay, just be respectful.”
This growing tension also contributes to the ongoing shortage of public officials – making Rep. Huot even more determined to pass this bill to ensure every student has a shot at the game of life.
“We want to make sure they are at the forefront of our minds and really put the focus on them,” Blissett said.
The bill also provides for the establishment of a so-called special income fund. It is an account in which any civil penalties collected are used to hire and train more arbitrators, establish new clinics, and pay some administrative fees.
If you are fined, you may submit a written request for a hearing within 15 days of receiving the notice. If you do not request a hearing, you will lose your right to one.
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has not commented on the new bill, saying they have not seen it yet. However, according to a league official, their lobbyists at the state parliament are looking into it.
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