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Officials say rising abuse and assaults are shrinking youth and high-school officiating ranks
Summary
Coaches, officials and associations testified in support of bills (including H1625 and H1682) they say would strengthen penalties and protections for sports officials after repeated incidents of verbal and physical abuse are driving officials away.
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard a string of witnesses urging action to address a nationwide and local decline in sports officials, saying abuse and assault of referees and umpires is forcing experienced officials out of youth and scholastic sports.
“70 percent of the officials listed lack of respect for abuse from parents as a reason for leaving,” said a representative of the Massachusetts Baseball Umpires and Officials associations, citing national polling by the National Association of Sports Officials and state training attrition numbers.
Why it matters: Witnesses said fewer available officials…
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