Essay
This bill is a good idea because it affects not only the refs but the score table, line judges, and so much more. Imagine if this were to happen during a youth basketball tournament. Middle school and high school kids are the people who volunteer their time and shouldn’t be yelled at. An example of this happened in Pennsylvania. PIAA stated, “It has been brought to our attention of an assault on a PIAA sports official after a junior high football game in district X”..... “We will pursue this case to the fullest extent of the law.” This shows how Pennsylvania also does not want anyone to be disrespectful against the refs.
Another reason this bill is a good idea is because it would help out the shortage of refs. According to The sports journal, “But the true main cause of losing sports officials has been the lack of respect for the sport’s officials through the behavior of players, coaches, family members, and sports fans.” This shows that the main reason sports officials don't want to be there is because people have no respect for them. If this bill was in act maybe there wouldn’t be a shortage of refs. The ref is just there to ref, not getting assaulted.
Another reason this bill is good is rest won't have to worry about being biased in a certain way towards any of the coaches and could call a game how they want to. Pierce County Journal says, “Call it both ways, Ref!” (“Well, the foul count is five to five and I just called the same thing on the other end of the floor.”) “Get a pair of glasses!” (“I have a pair, but I’m wearing contacts.”) “Let ‘em play!” (“That’s what we’re trying to do… within the rules of the game.”)
I believe this bill can be negative in certain ways as well. Refs could abuse their power with this bill knowing that nothing can happen to them. Refs could feel like they have all the power and fans and players can do anything about it. Refs could also purposely sell a game and they would have no consequences as long as they didn’t tell anyone.
Balicki, B. (2024, October 18). ABC27. ABC27. https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/man-charged-for-assaulting-referee-at-meadville-jv-football-game/
Minoso, G. (2024, February 15). The real cause of losing sports officials. The Sport Journal. https://thesportjournal.org/article/the-real-cause-of-losing-sports-officials/
Finstad, B. C. (2024, September 18). The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (in sports officiating). Pierce County Journal. https://www.piercecountyjournal.news/stories/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-in-sports-officiating,105735
