Youth Football Referee Attacked

Youth Football Referee Attacked is an article I found on TBO.com. In Sarasota Florida a youth football referee was attacked by three coaches and a 14 year old player last weekend. The three coaches and 14 year old were all charged with one count of battery on a sports official which is a third degree felony. In addition one of the three coaches also attacked a coach from the opposing team who was attempting to break up the fight, and is charged with battery which is a misdemeanor.

I was very disappointed in these coaches just after reading the headline but after finishing the article I am not only disappointed but also angered by the irrational behavior of these coaches who are supposed to be leaders and role models for our children.

Before the attack the referee had called several penalties and the coaches first started  verbally abusing him and even threw a water at him. This behavior caused  the referee to eject the coaches from the game and eventually terminate the game minutes before the first half had been completed. The behavior of the coaches before the attack was completely unacceptable. They should be setting a good example and teaching good sportsmanship instead of everything else they did. One of the attackers was a 14 year old boy. I believe this action was a result of his coaches behaviors and probably wouldn't have happened if his coaches had behaved differently. That in no way excuses his behavior, he should know right from wrong, but the coaches behaviors and actions most likely influenced his behavior.

Upon reflection of this story I can't help but wonder why none of the parents did anything about this before it got out of hand. I have a 15 year old boy and if any of his coaches, let alone all of them, were exhibiting that behavior I would not have sat quietly in the stands turning a blind eye.