Umpires, referees tell judiciary panel abuse is thinning official ranks; advocates seek stronger penalties

Umpires, referees and representatives of sports‑official associations told the Joint Committee on the Judiciary that growing abuse from spectators and parents has reduced the pool of officials and disrupted youth and scholastic schedules. They urged passage of bills including House Bill 16‑25 to create stronger penalties for assaults and aggravated harassment of sports officials.

Dennis Shay of the Massachusetts Baseball Umpires Association told the committee the state has seen a 32 percent decline in baseball umpires since 2022 and that “70% of officials listed lack of respect or abuse from fans as a reason to leave.” He and other witnesses said fewer officials means canceled or condensed seasons, postponed freshman and junior‑varsity games, and higher costs for schools that must reschedule contests.

Witnesses cited recent examples from other states and local incidents in which officials were physically assaulted after games. Testimony said a 2023 rule change had removed an on‑field authority that allowed officials to forfeit games for spectator misconduct, leaving some officials without tools to address hostile crowds in enclosed venues.

Supporters urged the committee to report favorably on multiple bills (H 16‑25, H 16‑00, H 16‑82 and others) that would expand criminal protections for officials when leaving the playing area and provide clearer enforcement options.

Committee members thanked the witnesses; no formal action was taken during the hearing. Chairs invited written testimony and said staff would work with sponsors and stakeholders to refine statutory language and align enforcement authority with school‑based and municipal event operations.