Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Coach strikes a player out of anger

A 16-year-old was struck in the head three times with a clipboard by his coach out of anger during a sports game. The anger was a result of a failed play. No physical injury resulted because the boy was wearing a helmet. This is a high school football team. Can the coach be charged with assult?


Asked on 9/03/06, 10:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Coach strikes a player out of anger

Absolutely yes. The charge of assault and battery, possibly even with a dangerous weapon can be lodged against the offending coach. You do so by call or going to the police station responsible for the area where the incident occurred. This could or should be reported to the school. In addition, to this, yo can file a civil complaint in the behalf of the child against the coach, and the school for this. The charge basically says that the contact was not accidental or with the permission of the person being struck. Injury is not a requisite. You may want to contact an attorney. As for contacting the police, the sooner you contact the police, the more likely they are to believe that the incident happened. You may also make a list of the those who witnessed this event. If there are bruises, you should take color pictures of them.

I also suggest that you contact an attorney, or contact me on Monday, and I can assist with this and answer some of your questions: 978.749.3606.

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Answered on 9/03/06, 11:53 pm


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