One strike could mean out of game Parents, players and coaches will have to sign new code of conduct BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer UPPER FREEHOLD - Bad behavior will no longer be tolerated at township sporting events. The Township Committee voted unanimously at its Aug. 2 meeting to establish a code of conduct for individuals attending, coaching, officiating or participating in youth sporting events on municipal property. Those registering for township sports will now have to sign a pledge stating that they will not engage in, or encourage their children or any other person to engage in, unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official or other attendee. The pledge also prohibits using or encouraging the use of drugs, alcohol and profanity at sporting events. Those who wish to participate in sports will also have to pledge to treat and encourage their child or children to treat any coach, player, parent, participant, official or other attendee with respect, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability. Other parts of the pledge include prohibitions against initiating a fight, verbal or physical threats, and abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, official or other attendee. Penalties for failing to conform to the new code include verbal and written warnings, immediate suspension or ejection from the sporting event, suspension from multiple youth sporting events, and seasonal or multiple season suspensions. The ordinance states that the township intends for all those who attend, coach, officiate or participate in the youth sporting events on township property to sign the code of conduct. Township Recreation Committee Chairman Sal Diecidue said that any official, such as an umpire or a referee, has the right to stop a sporting event. A situation involving an offending individual who won't leave the premises on his or her own accord could fall subject to police intervention, according to Diecidue. "I hope it never gets that bad," he said. Deputy Mayor William Miscoski remarked, "It's a shame, but there are times when people need to be thrown out of sporting events." Committeeman Stephen Alexander asked if sporting event attendees would still be allowed to "boo" a call they didn't like. Diecidue replied that certain acts are tolerable, but that the Little League does not encourage booing or other negative actions. Diecidue added, "Some problems may need to be weeded out, and other leagues should know there are some coaches who shouldn't be coaching." Mayor Stephen Fleischacker said the ordinance will regulate people "who get totally out of control and [for example] get in the face of the referee and yell at a 15-year-old referee." He said he has been at events where there was bad behavior, which he considered quite embarrassing.