A new bill introduced in the Kansas House of Representatives aims to increase penalties for assault and battery against a sports official. The bill aiming to protect referees in Kansas has its hearing today in the committee for federal and state affairs.
In part, the bill seeks to address and issue in the state where since 2010, Kansas has seen a decline in registered officials in every high school sport.
The Kansas State High School Activities Association says one of the reasons for the shortage in game officials is unsportsmanlike conduct. Kansas State High School Activities Association Assistant Director, Fran Martin says, when they recruit new officials, the most common issue is they don’t want to be yelled at or have negativity from players, coaches, or parents, including physical confrontations. The new bill aims to protect sports officials and hopefully calm the nerves of fans or coaches that are out of line.
