As part of the Denville Baseball community, your kids are learning valuable lessons about sportsmanship, respect and understanding rules. All these qualities are important on the field, and off. In fact, an understanding of how local laws impact the game and the community can play an integral role. Understanding laws regarding wildlife in particular is vital.

The last thing you want is for your community to lose its reputation because of a few wayward souls on the field. This is why Denville Baseball stresses respecting others, the game, the environment and even local wild life. So, what should you know about local wildlife laws? It’s important to understand the legal implications surrounding wildlife. It’s time to find out.

Wildlife laws vary from town to town, and state to state. As a member of the Denville community, it’s important you familiarize yourself with the relevant wildlife laws. You don’t want your kids to be accused of breaking nature laws during a game. For example, in New Jersey, Harassment or Wild Animals is a Disorderly Persons Offense (NJSA 23:4-1). This means that although it’s not a Felony, it can result in legal action against team members. It is reasonable to assume that part of the Denville Baseball training regimen includes educating players regarding proper treatment and respect for nature. This is the time to point out that this also applies to local wildlife. If your team members happen to see certain animals (like pigeons) during a game, they are not to be harassed or killed.

Violations against sect 23:4-1 can result in a fine of up to $500. The court could also impose a jail sentence of up to 30 days for everyone on the team. Even if the team does not end up jail, the game’s reputation may still suffer. This is why it’s important that your team members understand local laws, and how their actions impact the community as a whole.

If wildlife is disturbed, ultimately, it can make headlines. This is because areas like ponds, marshes, trash dumps and vacant lots amount to thousands of acres in New Jersey. If these places are disturbed, communities must pay for the damages. Damage is not limited to the physical disturbances. The damage of wildlife also includes how people perceive the community.

If something was to happen, here’s what your team should do: With Denville Baseball it’s all about the game. Friends. Family. Memories. Understanding local wildlife laws will help you make the most of your time together.

As a member of the Denville Baseball community, your child is learning about sportsmanship and respect. Not just for your teammates, coaches and the referee but for all in town. The same could be said of nature. Just keep in mind that when your child is at the baseball field, they represent you, your family, the baseball league, and it’s important that team members show respect to all, including local wildlife. There are many values that come from being a member of Denville Baseball, and sportsmanship and respect are among the most important.

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