Political parties should
unite in passing law

Old Bridge officials should move forward on what appears to be a sound plan to establish a code of conduct for those attending local athletic events.

The proposed ordinance would make sense for any town that holds youth sporting events, and is something that other municipalities may want to view as a model in helping to control the behavior of unruly parents.

The measure actually goes beyond parents and applies to coaches, players or anyone else attending activities such as Pop Warner, Little League, basketball, soccer or other games. It holds that anyone found to be engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior at township-funded facilities will be subject to adverse actions by the township.

Unsportsmanlike conduct can mean engaging in or encouraging a physical confrontation, using profanity, or threatening or disrespecting players, other parents, coaches or league officials. Offenders could be fined and banned from attending, coaching or participating in future activities.

Most parents have either been witness to or involved in ugly situations at youth sporting events, which of course is the last place parents or coaches should be exhibiting poor behavior. There have been numerous reports in the media about sports rage that have led to violence, injuries and arrests.

Having a specific law on the books that can be easily enforced will help in these matters. Take those adults who are setting a bad example for children and turn them into an example of what can happen when tempers go uncontrolled at youth events.

The Old Bridge Township Council, after months of discussion and work by a subcommittee of township officials, is expected to adopt an athletic code of conduct ordinance at its meeting Monday night. This type of law is long overdue, and is something that both Democrats and Republicans in Old Bridge should be able to stand behind.