Oct 13, 2007 9:38 pm US/Eastern
New Code Of Conduct Issued For Baltimore Sports
by Dennis Edwards
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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A few weeks ago, Coach Aaron McCown got in an altercation with a referee.
CBS
It's three strikes and you're out for parents, players and coaches who violate a new code of ethics for Little League games.
In one game, the James Gross Stingers took on the Liberty Lions at Patterson Park. Recreation officials used it to send a message to parents, teachers and coaches.
"We will not tolerate acts of aggression or violence towards any of our people," said Bob Wall, Baltimore City Department of Recreation.
The message came after Baltimore Little League coach Aaron McCown was detained on a single federal charge of a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. McCown was accused of threatening a Little League referee with a 45 caliber pistol after a controversial call.
That incident and others led to a new code of conduct that says verbal or physical abuse of players or referees won't be tolerated. The first offense will result in expulsion from games. The second produces a ban for the season. A third offense could result in a lifetime ban from any and all Little League games. This code of conduct is essential to maintaining a good relationship with officials who are fed up with violence. If things don't change soon, referees are threatening to stop officiating Baltimore games.
"If a call, a fan or spectator doesn't agree with it, they're cursing the officials. They're taunting them. Just a lot of harassment," said Glen Williams.
It is a hard stance that parents like Danny Satterfield are supporting for their young sons and daughters.
"I want him to learn discipline, that he learn how to contain himself in any environment, no matter what it is," he said.
The code of conduct starts immediately. It governs every kind of behavior, including hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking or striking in any way.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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