July 10, 2000

ABC World New Tonight at NASO Headquarters
(RACINE, Wis.) — A news crew from ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings was at the NASO headquarters this afternoon to interview association President Barry Mano about the increase of violence in youth sports.

The interview may appear on tonight’s nationally telecast news program airing at 6:30 p.m. eastern/5:30 p.m. central.

"At this time it is one of the top stories, but things change minute-by-minute in the news business, so it could be bumped," said NASO Public Relations Manager Bob Still who coordinated the Chicago-based production crew with the ABC News producer in New York. "We’re hopeful that they use the interview in a segment of the broadcast tonight."

What prompted the call from ABC News was the recent incident in Reading, Mass., where two parents fought following a 10-year-old youth pick-up hockey match. One of the parents died Friday morning following a severe beating. For more on that story, click here: http://www.boston.com/news/daily/10/hockey_manslaughter.htm

The story has prompted several calls from national reporters today including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and the Boston Globe.

While no scientific study exists to support the belief that violence against officials and in general at youth events is on the rise, NASO strongly suggests that such a trend exists.

"Based on the number of reports we receive today, compared to ten years ago, it is incredible," says Mano.

The organization is headquartered in Racine, Wis.