Youth sports leagues and schools across New York are facing a growing shortage of referees, leading to postponed or canceled games. Officials say the decline is largely due to increasing harassment from parents and spectators.
Section III Athletics reports struggling to find enough referees, with many unwilling to endure regular verbal abuse. In response, Assemblyman Scott Gray is reintroducing a bill to criminalize harassment and assault of sports officials—a move intended to deter bad behavior and protect games.
This is the third attempt to pass such legislation, with supporters hoping worsening conditions will finally prompt action.
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