Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a law establishing tougher penalties for assaults and threats against sports officials at school events. The move caps nearly a 30-year campaign by former referee Bob West, who himself was the victim of a brutal attack at a wrestling match in the 1990s. The new law is intended to protect officials and restore order at athletic venues.
Bob West’s personal tragedy was the driving force behind the legislation. After that attack he was knocked out, suffered a broken rib, underwent four neck surgeries, endured lengthy physical therapy and still struggles with memory loss. He describes his years-long push for the law as an effort to ensure accountability for those who resort to aggression against referees. His case, which occurred in 2015, was not unique — assaults on football and basketball referees were reported across the state, revealing a systemic problem of aggression. Before the new law, such incidents were often charged only as minor offenses with minimal fines, providing insufficient protection.
Under the new law, sports referees are now included among school employees protected from physical interference and threats. Threats or violent acts against referees are classified as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to six months in jail. Students who commit violations face suspension from school and sports, and adults can be banned from attending school events for up to 18 months.
Passage of the law will force the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) — the nongovernmental body that oversees high school sports and officiating — to review its safety protocols. Training programs for officials will likely be strengthened, and closer cooperation with law enforcement is expected to ensure compliance with the new rules.
The bill received near-unanimous support in the state legislature. Governor Ferguson said it will help ensure the safety of officials and remind everyone of the importance of sportsmanship. Bill sponsors, Senator John Lovick and Representative Sam Low, called the day historic for all of Washington’s sports officials and especially thanked Bob West for his tireless persistence.
The law’s passage is a victory achieved through collective effort and a direct response to the growing problem of aggression against officials nationwide, which has driven many from the profession. For Bob West and his family, it is a long-awaited recognition of years of struggle; for the state, it is an important step toward preserving the integrity and safety of school sports.
Based on: Ferguson signs bill adding penalties for assaulting school referees