Denville, NJ – A New Jersey youth softball coach is facing assault charges after a fight between opposing coaches erupted in the handshake line following a 12-under Police Activities League semifinal game, according to court records and league officials.
12-u recreational softball usually includes girls aged 10-12.
The road to NCAA Division I softball scholarships often begins on local recreational softball fields. Oftentimes, those softball fields are filled with dad coaches who are living the experience through their daughters. Sometimes, they fight with other coaches, and those moments are caught on video forever.
The incident occurred Wednesday after a game between Little Falls and a combined East Hanover/Florham Park team in the Denville Summer Softball League. Video of the altercation shows tensions escalating moments after the game ended as coaches gathered for the traditional postgame handshake.
Fight broke out during handshake line
According to reports, Matthew J. Magaletta, 54, coach of the East Hanover/Florham Park team, approached the opposing coaching staff and shoved a Little Falls coach before throwing a punch at another coach who attempted to intervene.
The confrontation spilled into the infield as the game’s umpire tried to separate those involved. At least one additional punch was thrown before the fight ended, while players from both teams looked on from nearby areas of the field.
Authorities have charged Magaletta with two counts of fourth-degree assault, according to New Jersey court records.
League imposes coaching ban
The Denville Summer Softball League, which operates through the township’s Police Activities League, has banned Magaletta from coaching following the incident.
A representative for the league told NJ.com, “The Denville PAL maintains a zero-tolerance policy for physical altercations involving players, coaches, spectators or any other participants at our games and events,” adding that the organization would not comment further while the matter remains under review.
Reports also indicate that a parent was ejected during the second inning before the postgame confrontation occurred.
The coaches involved have not disclosed which major Division I powerhouse their daughters will play for in college.
