ST PAUL, Minn. — It's a dark side to youth sports – from little league to the high school level.
There has been a rise in reports of unruly spectators, including parents, and in a recent survey of thousands of referees, umps and officials, 70% said sportsmanship is getting worse. And half of all officials surveyed say they fear for their safety.
Now, there's a push at the Minnesota Capitol to crack down on people who interfere with the game.
"There may be moments where somebody forgets it’s about the kids," said St. Louis Park parent Chris Blissett while watching his son play basketball. "I also think kids can learn a lot about life from here."
Except, some experts will say that some people are forgetting those lessons.
"We want to send a message, behave," said Rep. John Huot. "If you come down on the floor and aggressively go at a player or a coach or a referee or a game official in any way, you've crossed the line."
Rep. Huot is not only a lawmaker but a referee for two decades who plans to introduce a new bill next week that will penalize those who misbehave the most. He said he has colleagues who report being followed home, have popcorn thrown at them and even their whistle ripped off.
"We forget that this is a game and that it’s an experience for those students and you want it to be a positive experience," said Rep. Huot. "This is not a positive experience."
In his new bill, there could be a fine for as much as $1,000 imposed by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission against anyone who interferes with a youth athletic activity. That includes entering the field of play, causing an object to enter the field of play or physically interfering with an official.
"I'm going to make bad calls, I have made bad calls, but it's part of the game," said Rep. Huot. "It’s OK to get spirited, we tell that to players. It’s OK, just be respectful."
This growing tension is also what's adding to the persistent officiating shortage – making Rep. Huot that much more adamant about passing this bill to ensure every student has a shot at the game of life.
"We want to make sure they're at the forefront of our minds and really keep the focus on them," said Blissett.
The bill also establishes what's called a special revenue fund. It's an account where all the civil penalties collected will go to hire and train more referees, host new clinics and pay some administrative fees.
If you're fined, you would be able to make a written request for a hearing within 15 days of receipt of notice. If you don't request a hearing, you forfeit your right to one.
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has not commented on the new bill, saying they've yet to see it. However, their lobbyists at the state legislature are looking into it, according to a league official.
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