INDIANAPOLIS -- The owners of basketball hoops placed in the public right of way could soon be fouled out and possibly fined by the city.

Already, code inspectors have seized dozens of portable hoops they said pose a safety hazard when placed on city sidewalks or streets, Call 6's Rafael Sanchez reported.

Once the hoops are rounded up by the city, the owners have 30 days to retrieve them. But city officials said they are considering fining violators as well to cover the cost of seizing and storing the equipment.

"In no way do we want it to prohibit the playing of basketball," said Steve Hardiman with the Department of Public Works. "We want folks when they're playing basketball to be safe about it and we want kids to be safe."

Some parents said they understood the city's concerns, but said the hoops are good at keeping kids busy.

"Neighborhood kids come out and play on it and it keeps them out of trouble. It's just fun," said Joe Townsend, who has a portable basketball hoop in his neighborhood.

"I think they have plenty of other things to worry about than kids playing basketball in a neighborhood," said Tina Middleton, who owns a portable basketball hoop.

City officials said that even if a homeowner association allows the hoops, or if they are placed at the end of a cul-de-sac or a dead-end street, they are still considered to be in violation of the public right of way.

Discussions about fines for removing and storing the hoops are still the early talking phases.

In the past, the city has crushed seized basketball hoops that were not picked up by their owners. This year, they will donate the equipment to nonprofit youth groups. Send an e-mail to rafael_sanchez@6news.com to qualify.