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Staten Island CYO Sets One-Year and Lifetime Bans After Parents’ Brawl at Youth Basketball Game

Officials say the tougher penalties aim to curb unruly behavior to keep the focus on kids.

Overview

  • Surveillance video shows a courtside argument between two mothers turning into punches and hair-pulling during a Dec. 20 sixth-grade game at St. Teresa against Saint Clare.
  • CYO County Director Michael Neely identified the women as parents and said some of their family members joined the melee.
  • The two women and the relatives who became involved have been suspended indefinitely from attending CYO games, according to officials.
  • Borough President Vito Fossella announced that any spectator removed by a referee now faces a one-year suspension, with a lifetime ban after two removals.
  • Reactions from parents ranged from support for stricter enforcement to concern that the penalties go too far.