Parent gets 1-year probation

COLTS NECK - Mario A. Romano, 42, of Colts Neck, was sentenced May 16 to a one-year term of probation for assaulting the coach of his son's PopWarner youth football team. According to a press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, conditions of the probation included that Romano have no victim contact and that Romano participate in anger-management counseling.

A further condition imposed was that Romano not participate in any school or other youth athletic leagues as a coach or organizer or in any management or other capacity while on probation.

Romano pleaded guilty to the disorderly persons offense of simple assault on April 17 before state Superior Court Judge Ira E. Kreizman, Freehold, who also imposed the sentence.

According to the press release, on Sept. 30, 2007, officers from the Colts Neck Police Department responded to the athletic fields of Colts Neck High School as the result of a report of an assault. Upon their arrival, the police discovered Peter Vanruitenbeek, 45, also of Colts Neck, lying on the ground unconscious.

Vanruitenbeek was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for a concussion, a rotator cuff sprain and other injuries. A number of witnesses advised the police that Vanruitenbeek had been assaulted by Romano.

Romano was apprehended by police near his vehicle in the parking lot of the athletic fields.

On Sept. 30, a Colts Neck Pop Warner football team with players ranging in age from 12 to 14 was playing a game against a team fromManchester Township, Ocean County. Vanruitenbeek was the coach of the Colts Neck team. One of Romano's sons was a member of that Colts Neck team.

Romano was an organizer of the Colts Neck Pop Warner League. At the time of the assault, Romano was vice president of football operations for the league. Romano subsequently resigned from that position.

The Colts Neck Police Department conducted an investigation into the assault. The investigation revealed that during the game, Romano had a dispute with Vanruitenbeek regarding the amount of playing time Romano's son was being given at the quarterback position.

At the conclusion of the game, the dispute between the two men resumed. Their dispute ultimately escalated into a heated argument which culminated with Romano punching Vanruitenbeek in the face once. Romano's punch caused Vanruitenbeek to fall to the ground. Vanruitenbeek remained unconscious for several minutes before being transported to the hospital, according to the press release.

Cross complaints filed by Romano charging Peter Vanruitenbeek with assault and harassment, and charging his wife Sandra Vanruitenbeek with assault, were dismissed at the time of Romano's sentencing.