Kids Incorporated, one of the largest youth sports organizations in the Texas Panhandle, has announced it will begin staffing off-duty law enforcement officers at all of its more than 6,600 annual games in response to a growing trend of aggressive behavior from spectators. The move comes with a 24% increase in registration fees, a cost officials say is necessary to keep kids, coaches, and families safe.
The decision follows a recent incident involving an unruly adult at a Kids Inc. event — one that President and CEO Jimmy Lackey described as a breaking point.
“There’s no place for that kind of behavior in youth sports,” Lackey said. “It’s unfortunate we have to do this, but we can’t allow it to happen again. My blood boils just thinking about these incidents — parents teeing off on coaches or officials. These are kids.”
Lackey said the organization’s board met extensively to discuss how to respond and ultimately concluded that uniformed law enforcement presence was the most effective solution.
“This wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction,” he said. “It was a tough, deliberate decision, but at the end of the day, we cannot allow violence or threats to become normalized at our games.”
The individuals involved in the most recent altercation have been banned from all Kids Inc. events and facilities. According to Lackey, the organization is taking that ban seriously — and has the legal backing to enforce it.
“If they show up again, they’ll be arrested,” he stated. “We’ve worked closely with local law enforcement and Amarillo ISD to make sure the message is crystal clear: If you act like this, you’re done. We’ve already trespassed people, and we’ll fully support any legal consequences that follow.”
Implementing this level of security won’t be simple. Covering 6,600 games requires 6,600 shifts from off-duty officers across Randall and Potter Counties, the Amarillo Police Department, and Amarillo ISD police. Lackey acknowledged that managing this many shifts will be a “logistical puzzle,” and availability of officers will remain a challenge.
Still, he insists the safety benefits far outweigh the complications — and the cost.
“We host about 6,600 games a year,” Lackey said. “That’s a massive number of touchpoints where something could go wrong. We have no choice if we want to guarantee the safety of everyone involved.”
The increased registration fees, which took effect with the spring season, will be a noticeable burden for many families. Kids Inc. has long been known for keeping youth sports affordable, particularly for lower-income households. A nearly quarter increase in costs could be a dealbreaker for some.
“Our programs have always been affordable, so this is devastating for some,” Lackey acknowledged. “Especially for single parents and grandparents on fixed incomes.”
However, he emphasized that Kids Inc. is committed to ensuring no child is left out due to cost. The organization will continue working with school principals, sponsors, and donors to offer financial assistance to families in need.
“In the end, we’re responsible for thousands of kids every season,” he said. “And safety has to come first.”
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