Bill > SB986

This bill amends the Virginia Code to create a new legal provision specifically protecting sports officials from assault and battery during sporting events. Under the new law, a person who commits a battery against a sports official (defined as an umpire, referee, judge, scorekeeper, timekeeper, or other neutral participant) while they are performing their duties or are on the premises before or after the event, will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the offender may be prohibited from attending sports events operated by the organization that employed the sports official for a minimum of six months. This provision extends existing legal protections for other professionals like law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and school employees to sports officials, recognizing the importance of ensuring their safety while performing their roles in managing and officiating sporting events. The bill aims to deter violent behavior towards sports officials and provide a legal mechanism to punish those who intentionally assault them during sporting events.