Rep. Miller re-introduces bipartisan referee protection legislation

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) and Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) today announced the re-introduction of bipartisan legislation to secure protections for sports officials. The bill would bring the penalty for assaulting a referee on the job or in retaliation for a prior incident in line with current legislation protecting teachers, school administrators and bus drivers.

“As a referee for 20 years and as a coach, participant and parent, I understand the power of athletic competition to bring people together and teach important life skills,” said Rep. Miller. “However, sometimes emotions run high and tempers flare during competition. It’s important that we support our officials and send a message that physical confrontations are never an acceptable recourse.”

This legislation, formerly known as HB 208 in the 133rd General Assembly, was passed out of the House in November 2020 by a vote of 74-13.