Bill > A03422

This bill establishes new legal protections for sports officials by creating specific criminal offenses for assault and harassment against individuals officiating sporting events. The bill defines sports officials broadly to include umpires, referees, judges, linesmen, coaches, and other individuals participating in an official capacity at sports contests. Under the new law, intentionally causing physical injury to a sports official during a sporting event (including pre-game and post-game activities and surrounding parking areas) would be considered a criminal assault. Additionally, the bill defines harassment of a sports official as a violation, which includes physically striking or shoving an official, attempting to cause contact with saliva, or communicating threats of physical or property harm. The legislation also mandates that the state education department develop an information campaign to be distributed to all youth, school, amateur, and intercollegiate sports programs, requiring these programs to inform parents and spectators about the legal protections for sports officials and potential criminal consequences for harassment or assault. The new law will take effect 120 days after becoming law, aiming to reduce aggressive behavior towards sports officials and promote a more respectful sporting environment.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3422