Local Youth Soccer Clubs Fined After Brawl
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Some local youth soccer clubs were hit with hefty fines after a fight after a game.
It happened last weekend.
Now leaders of the Rochester District Youth Soccer League are punishing parents, players and the soccer clubs involved as part of its zero tolerance policy.
Most would agree, there's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition, until it turns into a fight.
"Clearly it sets a poor example for the kids to see adults lose control over themselves over, what is really a children's game," said Mary Arter, RDYSL President.
YouTube video shows a brawl that broke out between parents and one player after a game between, the Central Western United and Greece Eclipse Youth 17 soccer clubs last weekend.
"We do know that spectators from one team were crossing the field to leave to go out to their cars, they got very close to the parents from the other team the next thing anybody knew they were fighting," says Arter.
"I was shocked, I was very shocked and kind of disappointed because it gives the entire club a poor reputation," said Erin Nichols.
Nichols is an assistant coach with the soccer club involved. Her team however, is in the younger division.
"For the most part everyone respects for the rules and abides by them," said Nichols.
Arter says although Greece police did respond to the fight, no charges were filed.
But the league laid down the law by hitting both clubs and the coaches with $2100 in fines as part its zero tolerance policy. The player involved was also suspended next season.
"These games are very competitive. A lot of times not only the kids are getting excited on the field, the parents get excited sometimes and you do need some level of control," said Alex Gales, Greece Eclipse club parent.
"I absolutely agree with the zero tolerance policy. I think it's discouraging for the girls if they are hearing constant negativity, bickering amongst parents, coaches, players, whomever it may be," said Nichols.
Arter says she hopes the punishment can be used as an example to combat inappropriate conduct on the field and on the sidelines.
"There is no place for that kind of behavior in youth soccer," said Arter.