What happened in Rosemead?

Video from a weekend youth tournament at Rosemead Park Fields shows a coach confronting an umpire after a disputed call, followed by both men trading punches as families and players looked on. Prosecutors have since filed charges against both participants. 

If you or your child were hurt, what claims might apply?

Incidents like this can trigger several California civil claims, depending on the facts:

• Assault and battery against the individual who struck you.
• Negligent supervision against organizers if reasonable steps to prevent or de-escalate foreseeable violence were missing.
• Premises liability if the field operator failed to provide adequate security or crowd control for the event.
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress in egregious cases, especially involving minors.

Time limits are short

• Most injury and assault claims: You generally have two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit. (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1.)  
• Claims involving a public entity (for example, if the field is city-owned): You must present a government claim within 6 months of the injury before suing. (Gov. Code § 911.2.)  

If you miss these deadlines, you can lose your rights entirely. When in doubt about whether a city, county, or district owns the field, assume the 6-month rule may apply and get clarity fast. 

“But I signed a waiver.” Does that end the case?

Not necessarily. In California, pre-injury waivers often do cover ordinary negligence, but courts do not enforce waivers for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The California Supreme Court made this clear in City of Santa Barbara v. Superior Court. 

What this means in practice:

• If safety planning and event management fell far below minimal care, a waiver may not bar your claim.  
• Waivers never excuse intentional attacks.  

Evidence checklist to protect your claim

1. Save the video. Download or preserve any clips posted online and request copies from witnesses.
2. Identify organizers. Note the league name, tournament director, and field owner or permit holder.
3. Get medical documentation the same day, even for “minor” injuries or emotional trauma.
4. Collect witness info from parents, coaches, and umpires; capture badge numbers if security or deputies responded.
5. Preserve your child’s gear and clothing if damaged or bloodied.
6. Request incident reports from the league and, if applicable, the city or parks department.

Who can be held responsible?

• The individual aggressor (coach, umpire, or spectator) for assault and battery.
• The league or tournament operator for negligent supervision or inadequate event safety planning.
• The facility owner (private or public) if security, staffing, or layout increased risk and wasn’t reasonably addressed.

Determining liability is fact-driven. Video angles, league rules, prior complaints, and staffing plans all matter.

Frequently asked questions

Can a child recover for emotional distress after witnessing violence on the field?

Potentially, yes, especially with medical corroboration and where negligence or intentional misconduct is proven. Case value depends on the severity of symptoms and treatment.

What if the tournament was on a city field?

You likely must submit a Government Claim within 6 months before filing suit. Do not miss this step. 

Will the criminal case affect a civil claim?

Criminal charges can support liability theories, but you do not need a conviction to pursue civil damages. Coordinate timing so civil deadlines are not missed.

How our firm approaches youth-sports violence cases

We move quickly to lock down video and witness statements, identify all potentially responsible parties, and preserve public-entity claims where necessary. We also review any waiver language and event safety protocols against California’s standards for gross negligence and intentional conduct.