ALBANY, N.Y. – New York's highest court says a local youth hockey association is not responsible for a brawl among spectators at a 2006 tournament for 13-year-olds.
A man who suffered a head injury in the melee sued the Rome Youth Hockey Association alleging it didn't enforce a "zero tolerance" policy on violence in the stands. A second man pleaded guilty to assault in connection with the injuries.
The game featured several on-ice fights and some players and a coach were ejected. Afterward two female spectators started fighting, prompting a brawl involving several others.
The court ruled Tuesday that the hockey association could not have foreseen the incident.
Hockey association attorney Matthew Kelly says a ruling against his client would have devastated youth sports leagues who he says can't afford private security.
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