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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2003
PR- 062-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION REQUIRING THE POSTING OF A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR YOUTH SPORTS EVENTS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Law

“The last bill before me is Introductory Number 322-A, sponsored by Council Members Fidler, Baez, Clarke, Comrie, Davis, Felder, Gennaro, Gerson, Jackson, Liu, Lopez, Nelson, Provenzano, Recchia, Reyna, Sanders, Seabrook, Serrano, Weprin, Gallagher and Oddo.  This bill will provide for the distribution of a Code of Conduct to coaches, parents and players participating in a youth sports program that utilizes City facilities and/or receives City funding and will establish an appropriate standard of behavior at youth sports events.

“Under this legislation, any organization that administers a youth sports program that utilizes City facilities and/or receives City funding will be required to post or affix a Code of Conduct containing guidelines for conduct of behavior to be observed at youth sports events at the primary facility where such youth sports events occur, as practicable.  In addition the organization may ban the presence at youth sports events of any official, coach, parent, player, spectator or other participant who engages in verbal or physical threats, initiates a fight or scuffle or engages in repeated and egregious violations of the Code of Conduct.

“In the event that any official, coach, parent, player, spectator or other participant is banned from attending a youth sports event, that person may petition the organization that imposed the ban for permission to resume attendance.  Prior to being permitted to resume attendance, the organization may require the person to present proof of completion of anger management counseling or its equivalent.

“Participation in youth sports programs should be a rewarding experience; sports programs allow our youth to learn the importance of teamwork, cooperation, discipline and commitment.  Unfortunately, good sportsmanship is sometimes lacking on the part of coaches, parents, players, spectators and other persons involved in youth sports programs, resulting in the creation of a hostile environment for the participants. My Administration and the Council were able to craft a sensible bill that allows government to make common sense recommendations on conduct at youth sports events without being overly intrusive.  With this legislation, we seek to insure that good sportsmanship prevails at all youth sports events.”


 

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Contact: Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz  
(212) 788-2958