We have the same thing in Canada ... we call it Hockey
... the last controversy was over a bench clearing brawl involving 8 yr olds ... and then there is the odd occurence of parents beating the crap out of the refs and the coaches. The reason that Canada regularly wins the world Hockey championships is that our players are raised to play a very physical form of the game .... skating and stick handling are important, but if you can't intimidate the opposition you don't win. Don't really agree with it at the Pee Wee level ... but once the kids get to Midget and Junior level it isn't fair not to stress the physical ... all of these kids want to make the NHL, and that is all out, no holds barred hockey. But as a character building method? I do think there are better ways.