Is this a "professional sports event"?

[TxFig]

My town (Bryan, TX) has a baseball team in the "Texas Collegiate League". This is a summer league for college-eligible players to get more exposure to professional scouts. I just saw on the Texas3006.com site that the field has posted a "51% sign" in the concession area".

While I am nearly certain that the sign is not legitimate (the concession stand probably generates more than 51% of the revenue from alcohol sales, but it is almost unimaginable that the park itself does), the question has arisen as to whether or not the games themselves constitute a "professional sporting event".

Some key facts to consider in deciding the answer to that question:

The park is not affiliated with any city or school. It is privately owned property.
Note that the players do not get paid. Doing so would violate their NCAA collegiate standing. They are NOT professional athletes.
The park does charge admission to watch the games. Side note: the local city owned parks charge admission to the weekend tournaments for 12yo girls fastpitch softball (so be careful about declaring "if they charge admission, they are professional venues").


I am only interested in the absolute legal definition here. I know all about they "you might not avoid the ride blah blah blah". Is this or is this not a professional sporting event?

[Crossfire]

If the players do not get paid, then it is not their profession. Therefore, it cannot be a professional sporting event.

[RoyGBiv]

According to TABC, that gun sign should be BLUE. "Unlicensed Possession...... "
If it's RED, call TABC and ask them to fix it.

FYI.. this license will expire next week.. LOL.

License #: BG664261
Trade Name: INFINITY FOOD AND BEVERAGE LLC
Owner: INFINITY FOOD & BEVERAGE LLC
Location Address:
2200 BOMBER DRIVE
BRYAN , TX 778019998
Mailing Address:
405 MITCHELL ST
BRYAN , TX 778019998
County: Brazos Orig. Issue Date: 6/27/2007
Status: Current Exp. Date: 6/26/2014
Wine Percent: 17
Location Phone No.: 979-985-5190

Subordinates:
Related To:
Gun Sign: BLUE

[Keith B]

HOWEVER, if is a college or interscholastic event, it is still off-limits

§ 46.035. UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF HANDGUN BY LICENSE
HOLDER.
(b) A license holder commits an offense if the license
holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun
under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code,
regardless of whether the handgun is concealed, on or about the
license holder's person:
(2) on the premises where a high school, collegiate,
or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking
place, unless the license holder is a participant in the event and a
handgun is used in the event;

[jbarn]

It is not a professional sporting event, as answered. But it IS a collegiate sporting event; therefore, off limits.

[jbarn]

It is not a professional sporting event, as answered. But it IS a collegiate sporting event; therefore, off limits.

Dang, beat by the master again.

[TxFig]

HOWEVER, if is a college or interscholastic event, it is still off-limits

It is NOT a college event. The players attend colleges (different ones, from multiple states). But neither the team, nor the league is affiliated in any way with any college or university. Nor are they sanctioned, licensed, or affiliated with the NCAA.

[Keith B]

HOWEVER, if is a college or interscholastic event, it is still off-limits

It is NOT a college event. The players attend colleges (different ones, from multiple states). But neither the team, nor the league is affiliated in any way with any college or university. Nor are they sanctioned, licensed, or affiliated with the NCAA.

Then you have answered your own question.

[jbarn]

Texas Collegiate League

Hummmmmm

[Oldgringo]

HOWEVER, if is a college or interscholastic event, it is still off-limits

It is NOT a college event. The players attend colleges (different ones, from multiple states). But neither the team, nor the league is affiliated in any way with any college or university. Nor are they sanctioned, licensed, or affiliated with the NCAA.

Then you have answered your own question.

Concealed is uh,....um, oh yes, it is concealed. IANAL, BTW & YMMV.

[mojo84]

Texas Collegiate League

Hummmmmm

http://www.texascollegiateleague.com/about/overview/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Aileronguy]

I can't find ANYWHERE the players don't get paid. Where does it say that?

Thanks!

[Keith B]

I can't find ANYWHERE the players don't get paid. Where does it say that?

Thanks!

They would lose their NCAA Collegiate status if they got paid and would be ineligible to play in college the next year.

[Aileronguy]

I can't find ANYWHERE the players don't get paid. Where does it say that?

Thanks!

They would lose their NCAA Collegiate status if they got paid and would be ineligible to play in college the next year.

I just sent an email to the league. If they reply, I will post their answer here.

Some of them were just drafted in the recent MLB draft. Wonder if they had an agent (a clear violation of NCAA rules).

[mojo84]

I can't find ANYWHERE the players don't get paid. Where does it say that?

Thanks!

They would lose their NCAA Collegiate status if they got paid and would be ineligible to play in college the next year.

I just sent an email to the league. If they reply, I will post their answer here.

Some of them were just drafted in the recent MLB draft. Wonder if they had an agent (a clear violation of NCAA rules).

High school kids get drafted every year by mlb teams and can still play college ball. They don't need an agent to get drafted. This is an independent league designed to give college kids an opportunity to get exposure so they can continue playing. They don't get paid.