New Law in New Hampshire Protects Sports Officials from Assault and Harassment
Sports officials have always faced criticism and abuse from players, coaches, and fans during games. However, a new law in New Hampshire aims to protect these officials from assault or harassment while on duty at any level of sports competitions.
According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Sporting Officials, 42% of game officials in New Hampshire have felt unsafe or feared for their safety due to the behavior of those involved in the games. Additionally, one out of ten officials reported being physically assaulted during or after a game.
Verbal abuse from parents and fans, followed by abuse from coaches, were cited as the top two reasons for game officials leaving the profession. In response to this issue, Senate Bill 327 was passed and signed into law by Gov. Chris Sununu in July. This bipartisan bill adds penalties for assaulting or harassing sports officials while they are performing their duties.
The law defines sports officials as anyone enforcing the rules of a sports event, such as umpires, referees, timers, or scorers. Violating this law could result in fines up to $1,000 and a ban from athletic contests in the state for up to 12 months on the first offense. The law aims to prevent violent behavior on sports fields and promote sportsmanship.
Advocates for the law hope that it will bring attention to the issue of harassment of sports officials and discourage people from behaving inappropriately during games. New Hampshire is now the 23rd state to enact legislation to protect sports officials from assault and harassment, marking a significant step towards improving the safety and respect for game officials in the state.
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