Randy Hahn – San Jose Sharks Play-By-Play Broadcaster Supports Fans Against Violence

Posted on January 14, 2013 by FAV

Most of you who know Randy Hahn know him part of the broadcasting duo of “Randy and Drew” who deliver play-by-play updates during the San Jose Sharks’ games. We are proud and happy to announce he has given his endorsement of Fans Against Violence.

Randy Hahn has been part of the sports industry for decades, and he has attended many games in his position. While a tenured reporter such Hahn has undoubtedly seen many legendary moments throughout his career, he also shares with us the less fond memories of bearing witness to fans subjecting each other to violence. It is for this reason that Hahn has decided to endorse Fans Against Violence. As a father and a fan, Hahn has a different yet equally important message to broadcast.:

“In my 30+ years as a play by play broadcaster covering a variety of live events, I have unfortunately witnessed instances of fan violence. I absolutely endorse the work being carried out by FAV to help reduce or hopefully bring an end to such incidents. We owe it to our children to set the right example for them. Whether that might be at a big rivalry game like the SJ Sharks vs the LA Kings or even at the local soccer field where those same children might be competing themselves.”

ESPN Outside the Lines Fan Violence Episode – Fans Against Violence

Posted on October 15, 2012 by FAV

Sundays during football season tend to place media focus on the match-ups, the players, the injury reports, the spreads and the action on the field. So little is said about what takes place off of the field- particularly in the stands, in the parking lots and on stadium premises. Outside the Lines gives us a look at the dangers of fan violence, the impact it has on its victims and the need to create safer environments in which fans can enjoy the experience of a football game. The necessity of advocacy groups such as Fans Against Violence is also stressed, and Outside the Lines features Kathy Samoun at the opening Raiders game against the San Diego Chargers, promoting FAV’s cause on foot and encouraging fans of both teams to be welcoming and respectful towards one another. Also interviewed is Aaron Curry of the Oakland Raiders, who is a supporter of FAV and the fight against violence. Raising awareness and exposing people to the seriousness of this issue is a great step towards lessening the number of incidents and attacks reported each week, and we are glad ESPN is shining some light on it.

In case you missed yesterday’s airing of “Outside the Lines, ” here are some highlights from this week’s episode.

Mike Gatto’s Stadium Violence Prevention Bill Signed by Governor Brown

Posted on September 7, 2012 by FAV

Sacramento, CA – Next time you find yourself at a football game, with a front row seat to a brawl in the stands between two rowdy fans, you’ll be able to more quickly and less conspicuously summon stadium security. Assembly Bill 2464, the Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), was signed into law today by Governor Brown.

The Act will require major-league sports stadiums in California to clearly post the numbers fans can use to call or text-message stadium security, both inside and outside the venues. Most stadiums verbally announce the contact information for stadium security at the beginning of the game, but many fans don’t remember this number several innings later and in the midst of an emotionally charged altercation mere steps away. Now fans don’t have to memorize this number – it will be a mainstay at all professional sports stadiums and arenas in the state.

Posting these signs will enable incidents to be resolved more quickly, before a victim is seriously injured. In fact, several of the more high-profile beatings lasted over a span of several minutes, during which frantic fans dialed 911. In those instances, it is stadium security (from within the stadium) and not the police (coming from outside the stadium) who is best equipped to quickly respond and prevent an injury from becoming more serious.

The signs mandated by AB 2464 will also serve as a reminder to would-be perpetrators that they will be caught, hopefully adding an ounce of prevention to this modest cure. “It has become apparent that we need to act to keep the action at professional games on the field and out of the stands,” said Gatto, “AB 2464 is a simple, common-sense, and preventative solution.”

AB 2464 is one of three bills signed into law today authored by Assemblyman Gatto.

Mike Gatto represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Atwater Village. He is the Chairman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. www.asm.ca.gov/gatto