ST. PAUL, Minn. – Those who assault sports officials during youth athletic events in Minnesota could face criminal penalties, under a bill that’s cleared a Minnesota House committee — but it could be modified to levy fines instead of jail time.
The sponsor, Rosemount Democrat John Huot (HEW-ott), says he plans to modify his bill so there are civil fines instead of criminal penalties, which would also apply to anyone who is disruptive or physically interferes with a game organizer, player, or coach during a youth athletic activity.
Huot stresses that criminal penalties for assault would still apply under current state law.
Comments