By The Associated Press

February 10th, 2008

Boston Herald

BOSTON - The stories have become all too familiar — young athletes, and sometimes their parents and coaches, turning a school playing field into the set of a Jerry Springer episode.

Now a bill set to be heard by Massachusetts lawmakers on Monday seeks to reduce the number and intensity of school sports scuffles by drafting new curriculum to teach sportsmanship.

Lawmakers and supporters hope the new pilot program could help young athletes learn how to conduct themselves both on and off the field. 

The bill would create lessons to help children develop "the mental skills associated with self-control in an effort to reduce violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, bullying and other destructive choices."

The teaching materials would be offered free of charge to youth and school sports leagues and teams.

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