Senator Gallivan Introduces Legislation to Protect Sports Officials from Harassment

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) has introduced legislation (S.6762) to better protect umpires, referees, judges, coaches and other sports officials from harassment and assault. The bill would modify the state’s penal law governing harassment and aggravated assault to include youth, interscholastic, collegiate, amateur and professional sports officials.  The legislation would also require the State Education Department to establish a spectator information campaign for schools to utilize.

The bill was introduced Wednesday, which has been designated “Officials Appreciation Day” by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA)

“Umpires, referees and other officials are an essential part of organized sports,” Senator Gallivan said.  “Unfortunately, some have become the victim of harassment or assault by spectators at games and other sporting events.  This legislation will better protect officials from such activity and will send a clear message that this type of abuse will not be tolerated.”

In some cases, harassment and abuse of sports officials has diminished interest among those willing to officiate games and sporting events, especially at the youth and high school level.

The proposed legislation would bring New York in line with 33 other states that have either created specific protections within the law or recognized the unique role carried out by sports officials. 

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