Considering you only need 2 witnesses to actually submit the paperwork, truly unethical folks could simply fill out a bunch of paperwork without actually even going fishing. I appreciate what you are saying - it is definitely a gray area. The little guy waited with the bait in the water and hooked it himself. He had some assistance bringing it in. I certainly don't think my wife should submit it as she didn't do it all either. This is a tourism program, not an official weigh-in or anything.
I guess what it comes down to for me is this - when the little guy hooks a fish, gets some help because he isn't strong enough to bring it in himself, the fish is landed and measured and determined to be MA size and his eyes light up and he starts jumping up and down from excitement, I don't think I'm going to deny him because he wasn't the only one touching the rod. When they are old / large / strong enough to fight the fish themselves, they'll be doing that.
I understand the ethical issue you are raising and appreciate it. These kids are hooked for life on fishing now and are being taught to respect the fish and to treat them properly and to respect our natural resources. Personally, I think that is more important than whether or not a form should be submitted because his mother helped him.
Respectfully,
Derek
