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CNN Live Saturday

Parents Lose Control At Sporting Events for Kids

Aired August 03, 2002 - 17:20   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: When it comes to kids and sports, the quality of the experience can depend a lot on the adult's behavior. But unfortunately, an organized sport sometimes brings out the worst in them. The adults, I'm talking. CNN's Brian Palmer looks at what some New Jersey officials are doing to help keep parents in line.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIKE BLACKWELL, NEW BRUNSWICK RECREATION: We'll have an area down behind the third baseline on this field where the bleachers will be.

BRIAN PALMER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Mike Blackwell has coached kids sports for 22 years.

BLACKWELL: I remember when I was a kid and played all day all night and never had a problem with a parent out there in those days but today is different. It's a different story.

PALMER: Disruptive parents are a problem nowadays. So, New Brunswick, New Jersey is spending $2.5 million to keep ball fields from becoming battlefields.

BLACKWELL: For a fan to try to climb the wall and talk to their child or their umpire, they just can't do it. They have to have mountain climbing gear, almost. And, it's going to be kind of interesting to see it.

PALMER: Corey and Joshua play on the new fields next fall.

UNIDENTIFIED LITTLE LEAGUE PLAYER: Sometimes I'll be, like, please, be quiet. Let me concentrate.

PALMER: They wouldn't mind if parents were stuck even farther out.

UNIDENTIFIED LITTLE LEAGUE PLAYER: Back there, behind the fence.

PALMER: Most parents are responsible spectators, there to show support for their kids.

DEIRDRE MEINDE, PARENT: Honestly, I'd rather be in here. And, if people have a problem should be thrown out. And, I'd like to be closer to my kids, closer to them at this point.

PALMER: There've been too few studies of so-called sports rage to prove it's truly a rising national trend. But, youth sports professionals cite violent parent on parent crimes like the fatal hockey beating in Massachusetts and they say they've seen enough proof with their own eyes. Dr. Jordan Metzl treats child athletes.

DR. JORDAN METZL, SPORTS MEDICAL INSTITUTE: I personally believe they're happening more frequently because we're seeing things like -- you know -- this win at all costs mentality, drug use, all those kind of problems and it really follows suit that this increasing competitiveness really does lead to bad behavior on the part of parents.

PALMER: Many leagues have codes of conduct for parents. New Jersey's governor is considering signing a bill that would let groups ban anyone who abuses anyone else, physically or verbally. This field, just a few towns away in Aldridge, has already been parent- proofed. The bleachers are out past third base. Reviews are mixed, but mostly positive.

JOE PHOCOPID, LITTLE LEAGUE COACH: As a coach, I think it's great, but my son also plays on a team that I don't coach, and when I have to go out there it's tough, it's not fun watching the game from there, but you know what? The kids have to play, and let them play.

PALMER: Brain Palmer, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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