Some Pennsylvania state senators are waving the flag on harassment of sports officials.
Harassment of sports officials could become a separate crime in the state under a bill recently passed by the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 842, known as the Respect for the Whistle Act, would make harassment of sports officials a third-degree misdemeanor. Standard harassment charges range from summary to third-degree misdemeanors.
“When we turn on the news, we often see scenes of sporting events where violence erupts from the audience after an unfavorable call by the referee.” Lead sponsor state Sen. Jimmy Dillon (D-5) said in a memorandum of co-sponsorship. “Unfortunately, I have seen firsthand how one phone call can set someone in a bad mood and lead to an outburst of violence.”
Gary Weber, director of Warren County School District Support Services, said locally the school district is taking a tough stance against employee abuse.
“We do not tolerate harassment of sports officials.” Weber said. “We are working closely with our staff and representatives and appreciate their work.
It is written into the district’s own code of ethics within the PIAA and our athletic handbook. To prevent this from happening, we have game managers and administrators assigned to most contests. ”
The bill would complement previous efforts aimed at curbing violence against officials that have been in place since 1990.
“State law currently provides for increased penalties for assaulting a referee.” Mr. Dillon stated in his memorandum: “Our current laws do not adequately protect public servants. They still face intimidation and harassment in many situations on the job, and while it does not constitute assault, it is still acceptable. You shouldn’t.”
Dillon said the majority of people in sports view harassment as a problem.
“Nearly half of these participants reported feeling unsafe due to the actions of parents, coaches, and players.” he said in a release. “More than 68% of officials believe sportsmanship is poor. More than 67% have removed a spectator for bad behavior. More than 55% have had to break up a fight during a game. And 60% of officials who left the profession say it was because of abuse from parents or fans.”
The bill passed the Judiciary Committee with a bipartisan vote of 13-2. The bill will now be considered by the entire state Senate. A companion bill, House Bill 297, is currently being considered in the state House of Representatives.
The National Association of Athletic Officials and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association expressed support for the measure.