WOODBURY -- One of New Jersey's first residents to be charged under the youth sports violence law has entered a guilty plea after admitting he punched a fellow coach at a Delsea Knights Midget Football game in October, sending the man to the hospital.

John Miller, 42, of Franklin Township pleaded guilty to fourth-degree aggravated assault for punching Ray Bodine, 42, also of Franklin Township during their sons' midget football game in Franklin Township on Oct. 11, 2003. The assault occurred as 11- and 12-year-olds warmed up at the township sports complex, according to authorities.

Miller pleaded guilty on Jan. 29. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office agreed to seek probation in exchange for Miller's plea.

According to authorities, Bodine and Miller started arguing before the start of their children's football game. The two walked away from the playing field, and a fistfight began.

Miller punched Bodine in the face, authorities said. Bodine was then airlifted to Cooper Medical Center in Camden in critical condition, but later recovered of injuries to his face and head.

Under the youth sports violence law, a simple assault offense -- which is not indictable -- is upgraded to fourth-degree when it occurs in front of children at a sanctioned youth sports event. The law, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert J. Smith, D-4, of Washington Township, carries a prison term of up to 18 months.

"I think people are starting to understand that it's a serious offense to engage in fighting behavior in front of children at youth sporting events," Smith said when reached for comment Thursday. "And the law was intended to be just as much preventative and educational as it is punitive."

Miller, who has told police Bodine hit him first, has worked for Franklin Township's Public Works Department, maintaining Franklin's sports fields, since 1994. Township Mayor David Ferrucci said Thursday that his "early indication" is that Miller will not be suspended from his job, but the incident is being reviewed by labor counsel.

On Wednesday, a Gloucester County grand jury declined to indict Bodine for his role in the fight, instead opting to remand his case to municipal court as a disorderly persons simple assault offense.

Miller is scheduled to be sentenced March 19 in front of Superior Court Judge Walter Marshall.

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