Assault At Soccer Game: Who's Liable?

Brandon Gomes and Michael Da Silva were two 16 year old boys playing against one another in a soccer game. An altercation ensued, and Gomes punched Da Silva in the face.

As a result, Da Silva was injured and Gomes was convicted of criminal assault. Da Silva and his family in turn brought an action for civil damages against Gomes as well as Gomes' coach, the team manager, the Hamilton Sparta Sports Club, its vice president, and the Ontario Soccer Association Inc.

All defendants, with the exception of Gomes, were successful on summary judgment, and the claims against them were dismissed. The plaintiffs appealed and in Da Silva v. Gomes  (2018 ONCA 610), the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.