Flynn’s ‘Penalty Box’ Bill Addressing Assaults at Youth Sports Passes Committee
December 12, 2024
Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn’s bill tackling bad behavior at youth sporting events didn’t cross the finish line last session but made a strong comeback on Thursday. Her “Penalty Box Act” upgrading penalties for assaults against sports officials, coaches or staff cleared the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
The bill (A4176) aims to address the reprehensible conduct of adults behaving violently and eliminate the toxic environment that is prevalent at youth sporting events.
“I am pleased this legislation is once again moving in the Assembly as the issue of adults behaving badly at youth sporting events is unfortunately still as relevant today as it was last year,” Flynn (R-Monmouth) said. “We know the psychological long-term effects upon children when they observe parents fighting in a home. The harm is no different when children observe toxic behavior among adults at soccer matches, basketball games or at a hockey rink.”
The bill upgrades penalties for assaults against sports officials, coaches or staff from a disorderly persons offense to a fourth-degree aggravated assault if there are no injuries. That crime carries up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $10,000. If the official is injured, it becomes a third-degree crime punishable by imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.
“The goal of the Penalty Box Act is to restore civility to youth sports and deter bad behavior before it escalates,” Flynn said.
According to a National Association of Sports survey last year, more than half of sporting officials felt unsafe or feared for their safety because of a coach’s, player’s or spectator’s bad behavior. In 2022, Jim Neely, a 72-year-old umpire, made headlines for being attacked by a coach during a youth baseball game in Branchburg. He suffered a broken jaw and a concussion.
“Losing is part of the game, but violence has no place on the field. Modeling good sportsmanship starts with adults,” Flynn said. “I want to return the joy of sports to players, parents, coaches and other officials.”
