Stunned players and their parents watched as the coach was whisked away in an ambulance and Fayetteville police arrested the referee. I just stayed in there until somebody said you need to get out, the police are coming. Parents and coaches sign a pledge to keep youth sports fun and safe. Recreation officials are investigating whether those good-behavior promises are adequate safeguards against a surge in youth sports violence. Fayette County schools, which provide the gyms for the league to use, may slam the doors shut on recreational basketball games.
Wood is charged with aggravated assault and bringing a weapon onto school property.
Carlos Garza, Fayette County Youth Basketball Association director, called the knifing an isolated incident. Garza lamented comments by school officials who are reviewing whether to allow school gyms to be used by outside organizations. The county recreation league relies on school gymnasiums for the 800 children who play youth basketball. Volunteer coaches are certified by the National Youth Sports Coaches Association, Garza said. They must sign a code of ethics pledging to provide a safe environment and to put players' emotional and physical well-being above the desire to win.