H.J.R. 22 Enrolled

RESOLUTION OPPOSING INCREASED
VIOLENCE IN SPORTS AGAINST SPORTS
OFFICIALS
2002 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: David L. Hogue
This joint resolution of the Legislature strongly urges school and recreational sports officials,
parents, and participants to work together to curb the escalating incidences of violence
against sports officials.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
WHEREAS, in recent years, incidences of violence against sports officials in school and
recreational sports programs have increased at an alarming rate both in Utah and throughout the
nation;
WHEREAS, in a recent case which garnered national headlines, the father of a youthful
hockey player was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the adult supervising the
hockey game;
WHEREAS, these incidences are occurring at a time when the level of civility throughout
society is at an all-time low;
WHEREAS, along with road rage and other threats to citizen safety, violence against sports
officials is rooted in a lack of self control and an unwillingness to take responsibility for one's
actions;
WHEREAS, violence against sports officials can produce a chilling effect among those
who would like to serve their community through involvement in sports programs, but who
hesitate because of fear of aggressive parents and participants;
WHEREAS, parents should shoulder much of the responsibility for the teaching and
practicing of respect and civility both in their families and on the sidelines;
WHEREAS, schools and recreational sports programs can assist in helping parents to
participate positively in school and recreational sports, and discuss ways that parents can express
concerns in a constructive manner;

WHEREAS, Utah's youth deserve the finest example of sportsmanship in their homes and
on their playing fields;
WHEREAS, by following positive examples of conflict resolution and sportsmanship, youth
gain tremendous, intangible benefits that will strengthen their resolve to approach problems in a
constructive and mature manner throughout life; and
WHEREAS, together, school and recreational sports officials, parents, and participants can
help turn the tide of confrontation and retribution that threaten the state's youth, the ideals of sport,
and those who give of themselves to teach these ideals to Utah's youth:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah strongly
urges school and recreational sports officials, parents, and participants to work together to curb the
escalating incidences of violence against sports officials, and return civility and respect to the playing
fields of Utah's youth.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah Association
of Counties, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, and to each public school district in the state.

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