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H.J.R. 22

             1     

RESOLUTION OPPOSING INCREASED

             2     
VIOLENCE IN SPORTS AGAINST SPORTS

             3     
OFFICIALS

             4     
2002 GENERAL SESSION

             5     
STATE OF UTAH

             6     
Sponsor: David L. Hogue

             7      This joint resolution of the Legislature strongly urges school and recreational sports officials,
             8      parents, and participants to work together to curb the escalating incidences of violence
             9      against sports officials.
             10      Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             11          WHEREAS, in recent years, incidences of violence against sports officials in school and
             12      recreational sports programs have increased at an alarming rate both in Utah and throughout the
             13      nation;
             14          WHEREAS, in a recent case which garnered national headlines, the father of a youthful
             15      hockey player was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the adult supervising the
             16      hockey game;
             17          WHEREAS, these incidences are occurring at a time when the level of civility throughout
             18      society is at an all-time low;
             19          WHEREAS, along with road rage and other threats to citizen safety, violence against sports
             20      officials is rooted in a lack of self control and an unwillingness to take responsibility for one's
             21      actions;
             22          WHEREAS, violence against sports officials can produce a chilling effect among those
             23      who would like to serve their community through involvement in sports programs, but who
             24      hesitate because of fear of aggressive parents and participants;
             25          WHEREAS, parents should shoulder much of the responsibility for the teaching and
             26      practicing of respect and civility both in their families and on the sidelines;
             27          WHEREAS, schools and recreational sports programs can assist in helping parents to


             28      participate positively in school and recreational sports, and discuss ways that parents can express
             29      concerns in a constructive manner;
             30          WHEREAS, Utah's youth deserve the finest example of sportsmanship in their homes and
             31      on their playing fields;
             32          WHEREAS, by following positive examples of conflict resolution and sportsmanship,
             33      youth gain tremendous, intangible benefits that will strengthen their resolve to approach problems
             34      in a constructive and mature manner throughout life; and
             35          WHEREAS, together, school and recreational sports officials, parents, and participants can
             36      help turn the tide of confrontation and retribution that threaten the state's youth, the ideals of sport,
             37      and those who give of themselves to teach these ideals to Utah's youth:
             38          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah strongly
             39      urge school and recreational sports officials, parents, and participants to work together to curb the
             40      escalating incidences of violence against sports officials, and return civility and respect to the
             41      playing fields of Utah's youth.
             42          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah
             43      Association of Counties, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, and to each public school district
             44      in the state.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-28-02 9:26 AM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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