Senator Gallivan & Assemblyman Conrad Introduce Bill to Protect Sports Officials

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) and Assemblyman William Conrad (D, Town of Tonawanda) have  introduced legislation (S.2639/A9840) 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.

In recent years, sports officials have experienced an increase in harassment and assaults by spectators.  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.

A 2017 National Association of Sports Officials survey of more than 17,000 refs, umpires and sports officials from across the country found that 48% of male officials had felt unsafe or feared for their safety because of behavior of a coach, parent or player.  Some 45% of female officials felt the same, according to the survey.

“Umpires, referees and other officials are an essential part of organized sports, making sure the games are fair and safe for all involved,” Senator Gallivan said.  “Unfortunately, too many officials have become the victim of harassment or outright assault by spectators and others. 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 any sport, at any level.”

“Sadly, I’ve witnessed it myself, at my 10-year-old son’s ice hockey games: Referees are all too often harassed and abused by parents who vent their frustrations at those we enlist to make sure competition is safe, fun and fair for our young athletes,” Assemblyman Conrad said. “Ultimately, this behavior disrupts the event, sets a terrible example for the kids, and undermines the overarching mission of creating an enriching, enjoyable and sportsmanlike atmosphere for all involved. No sports official at any level of competition should feel intimidated or endangered by a spectator, player or coach who disagreed with a call – and for those who do engage in such conduct, there ought to be meaningful consequences.”

“I would personally like to thank Senator Gallivan and Assemblyman Conrad on behalf of the New York State Amateur Hockey Association for introducing this bill,” said Joe Baudo the President of the New York State Amateur Hockey Association.  “It will help all Officials, no matter what sport, feel safer about doing their job. I know it will help us welcome many sports officials back to officiating.”

“In 17 years of officiating, I’ve been lucky,” said Pat Laczkowski, a now-retired youth rugby official from the Buffalo area. “Having said that, I’ve seen abuse of officials in a lot of sports, and it’s something that we need to do away with very quickly, as it’s leading to a shortage of manpower in the field. No one has the right to harass or assault an official who is doing the job he or she was hired to do. Whether at a youth or amateur sporting event, or in higher-stakes competition at the scholastic, collegiate or professional level, officials need to feel protected so they can focus and do their best for the athletes. Sports are about camaraderie and respect, and there is no place for any kind of violence toward any of the people participating in the action.”

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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