Multiple Florida Bills Plan to Criminalize Field Storming and Court Storming
Florida could soon issue a clear statement on the legality and safety of storming courts and fields. In Florida, multiple bills have been introduced that would make field-storming illegal and court-storming illegal.
One of these bills, SB 764, introduced by Republican Senator Corey Simon. Simon is a former Florida State football player. It would allow you to enter the country if it is passed. “covered area” A first-degree misdemeanor is not allowed in an arena or stadium.
For violating this law, the penalty would be a year in prison or a $2,500 fine. Additionally, the bill defines “a”. “covered area” As “any area designated for use by players, coaches, officials, performers, or personnel administering a covered event that is on, or adjacent to, the area of performance or play.”
Court-storming would be punished, as would anyone who throws or drops objects into the sandbox. “covered area” Moreover, they would be prosecuted. HB 319 is a nearly identical bill that was introduced in the House of Representatives. These bills could have major implications for Florida sports fans.
They would be effective October 1, if passed by the Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. If they don’t want to be in trouble with the law, college football fans in Florida will have to start field-storming in the first month 2023 season.
Although the bills are not yet law, they have reignited debate about whether field-storming should still be permitted.
Some argue that the tradition behind storming the court or field after a big win is essential to the fan experience. It creates an electric atmosphere that can be inspiring for the team.
They claim that field-storming allows fans and their teams to express their excitement. It’s an unforgettable moment of pure joy that can’t be replicated. Fans can enjoy the victory with other fans, take photos with coaches and players, and collect souvenirs like turf and goalposts. Some others argue that field-storming could be dangerous and not worth the associated penalty.
Storming the field can have severe consequences. After a win over a rival team, fans stormed the field and cost the University of Tennessee $100,000. LSU was also fined $500,000 after fans stormed the field twice during this season.
Even more, fans can inflict injuries on the field. One Harvard freshman was paralysed after fans knocked down the goalpost.
In this case, the new goals that can be lower after regulation will suffice.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Recent announcements by Sankey and other officials about their plans to study post-game celebrations offer hope for field-stormers. Sankey might be open to considering alternative ways to regulate these events and ensure safety for attendees. The study will see schools make recommendations to the SEC at its media days next spring.
Sankey stated in his announcement: “Our institutions remain current and vigilant in crowd control best practices and continue to work with local law enforcement to develop effective security protocols at SEC venues.”
It remains to be seen if other states will follow Florida’s lead and criminalize storming the court and field. One thing is certain, however: the debate about field-storming legality and safety isn’t over.
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