Washington bill could increase penalties for violence against referees

January 13, 2025 / Athletic AdministrationCoaching
A potentially new bill could be stricter penalties for those who attack referees or other officials during school sporting events in Washington.

Under current state law, it is a gross misdemeanor for anyone to “interfere by force or violence” with a school employee or student “in the peaceful discharge of his or her duties or studies.”

washingtonIf passed, House Bill 1085 would expand those protections to public or private school referees and other officials covering extracurricular activities. The bill would also increase the penalty up to a maximum $1,000 fine and/or 364 days in jail. Adults and students who use violence could also be banned from school grounds for their actions.

A recent story from KXLY.com detailed the proposed legislation in Washington. Below is an excerpt from the KXLY.com story.

Public schools would also be required to post signs around gymnasiums, auditoriums and other athletic fields.

Backed by a bipartisan coalition, State Representative Suzanne Schmidt (R-Spokane Valley) said she sponsored the bill because officials are increasingly being attacked when they are playing an important role in promoting sportsmanship, often for free.

“Their total focus is on that game and what they’re watching and what they’re doing,” Schmidt said. “So, they’re very vulnerable.”

The representative said she was moved to push for more protections by a friend who was forced out of refereeing after being attacked.

“I was a referee in 1996 in Colville, Washington that was headbutted by a high school wrestler and knocked unconscious,” retired referee Bob West said at a hearing for similar legislation in January 2024. “I quit breathing, I was unconscious for about five minutes and have undergone four neck surgeries as a result of that assault.”

In a statement, the Washington Officials Association says it is backing the bill as abuse toward referees from spectators, coaches, and players has “escalated dramatically” – driving a decline in youth sports officiating. The group said both penalties and awareness are crucial to keep sports as safe environments where students can grow.

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Schmidt said work will be done to make sure officials of activities independent of schools are also included in the protections. She previously pushed for more referee safeguards last session, but said the bill failed after concerns about stiffer penalties and numerous changes.

To read the full story from KXLY.com about the proposed legislation, click here.