MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — Referees would gain unique legal protects from assault and harassment under a new bill making its way through the state assembly.
It’s sponsored by freshman Green Lake Republican Alex Dallman, who also works as a sports official.
“I’ve had parents come out on the court and and bump me,” Dallman recalled on WTAQ’s ‘The Morning News with Matt and Earl’ on Monday. “I’ve had parents, after I’ve asked them to leave, come out and take a swing at one of my other officials.”
Dallman says it’s becoming harder for people to find referees because of the constant harassment they endure.
“I do believe it’s very necessary at the sports official the last 10 years I’ve I’ve seen the problem increased across all of our youth sports and up into the high school and even college levels.”
His bill would increase penalties for harassing and assaulting sports officials.
“This legislation would allow for a sports official to have a little bit of an enhancement and special protection under our law,” said Dallman.
Critics question if such a bill is necessary, but Dallman says it is.
“I do believe it’s very necessary,” he said. “As a sports official for the last 10 years I’ve seen the problem increase across all of our youth sports and up into the high school and even college levels.”
The bill had a hearing last week.
