Law can punish unruly parents at children's ballgames

MACON - Officials with the parks and recreation department in Macon are so concerned about keeping unruliness and disorder at city sports to a minimum that they have created a class to teach good behavior. But it&#39;s not for the kids -- it&#39;s for their parents. <br> <br> The City Council passed a law Tuesday requiring parents to attend a 40-minute orientation session to learn about fair play or their children will not be allowed to play. <br> <br> Parents, coaches or umpires who act out at games also could be prosecuted under existing disorderly conduct laws that carry penalties of 50 days in jail and up to $500 in fines. <br> <br> The council turned aside a provision in the law that would have punished people for using profanity at games. <br> <br> Councilman Charles Jones says he hopes people don&#39;t use bad language, but he did not want a threat of 50 days in jail against umpires or parents who get caught up in the game and use an expletive.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/7/192378