A youth softball coach in New Jersey has been charged with assault following a physical altercation that occurred Wednesday during a 12-under semifinal game. The incident took place in the handshake line between opposing coaches after a game between Little Falls and a combined team from East Hanover and Florham Park.
Video footage shows a coach from the East Hanover/Florham Park team approach and shove another coach. The altercation escalated when the same coach allegedly threw a punch at a Little Falls coach who attempted to intervene. The fight then extended further onto the infield, with additional punches thrown before order was restored. The young players from both teams were present and witnessed the event.
The coach involved has been banned from coaching in the Denville Summer Softball League, which is operated by the town’s Police Activities League (PAL). According to reports, a parent was ejected from the game in the second inning prior to the fight.
The 54-year-old coach was charged with two counts of fourth-degree simple assault. He was reportedly present at a subsequent game on Friday but did not coach.
A representative from the Denville PAL stated that the league has a "zero-tolerance policy for physical altercations" and is reviewing the incident. The organization is collaborating with the involved teams to ensure appropriate disciplinary actions are taken and to prevent future occurrences. Police confirmed their response and investigation into the matter.