As the debate over the safety and legality of storming fields and courts continues, Florida may soon make a definitive statement. Multiple bills that would criminalize field-storming and court-storming have been introduced in the Florida state legislature.
One of the bills, SB 764, was introduced by Republican Senator Corey Simon, a former Florida State football star. If passed, it would make entering a “covered area” in a stadium or arena a first-degree misdemeanor.
The penalty for breaking that law would include a year in jail or a $2,500 fine. In addition, 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.”
Not only would court-storming be penalized, but anyone who throws, drops, or tosses objects into the “covered area” would also be criminalized. A nearly identical bill, HB 319, has been introduced in the House of Representatives. These bills could have significant implications for sports fans in Florida.
If they pass and get signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the new regulations would take effect on October 1. That means college football fans in Florida would need to scratch their field-storming itch in the first month of the 2023 season unless they want trouble with the law.
While the bills have not yet become law, the possibility of such a strict penalty for storming the field has reignited the debate over whether field-storming should be allowed.
Some argue that the tradition of storming the field or court after a big win is an essential part of the fan experience and helps to create an electric atmosphere that can inspire the team.
They argue that field-storming allows fans to express excitement and support their team. It’s a moment of pure joy that’s hard to replicate. Fans can take photos with players and coaches, collect souvenirs like goalposts or turf, and revel in the win with fellow fans. Others argue that field-storming is unsafe and not worth the accompanied penalty.
The consequences of storming the field can be severe. For instance, the University of Tennessee was fined $100,000 when fans stormed the field after a big win against a rival team. In addition, LSU has been fined $500,000 for fans storming the field twice this past season.
More importantly, injuries occur when fans storm the field. In one instance, a Harvard freshman was left paralyzed after fans knocked down a goalpost.
In that case, the new goalposts that can be lowered after regulation should suffice.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and other officials have recently announced their plan to study post-game celebrations, providing a glimmer of hope for field-stormers. This suggests that Sankey may be willing to consider alternative approaches to regulate such events and ensure the safety of participants and attendees. As part of the study, schools will provide recommendations presented at SEC 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.”
As Florida considers criminalizing storming the field and court, whether other states will follow suit remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: the debate over field-storming safety and legality is far from over.
What do you think?
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