Nebraska lawmakers are considering new protections for sports officials in response to increasing concerns over referee safety during games. Legislative Bill 657, introduced by State Sen. Bob Andersen of Omaha, aims to make assaulting a sports official a Class III-A felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to three years in prison, probation, and fines. The bill was presented to the Legislature’s Judicial Affairs Committee, where sports officials and prosecutors voiced their support for tougher penalties against violent behavior directed at referees, umpires, and linesmen.
Currently, Nebraska does not have a specific law protecting sports officials, though similar protections exist in 22 other states. The issue gained attention after an incident in November, when a referee was punched during a Sarpy County youth basketball game. The offender was charged with misdemeanor assault, but supporters of the bill argue that harsher penalties are needed to deter future attacks.
Sarpy County Deputy Prosecutor Scott Earl expressed concern that the dehumanization of officials has led to a culture of poor sportsmanship and aggression. Veteran referee Montsho Wilson, who oversees hundreds of games in Omaha and Lincoln, said officiating is in crisis due to a lack of new referees and an increasing number of officials quitting after just a few years. He noted that since October, his crews have had to escort 26 people out of games for aggressive behavior. A 2023 survey by the National Association of Sports Officials found that more than half of referees nationwide feared for their safety due to conduct by coaches, fans, or players.
While the bill only addresses physical violence, experienced official Sylvo Johnson said that harsher penalties for severe actions could also help curb verbal abuse. Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara, a longtime referee for college, high school, and youth basketball, argued that something must be done to improve sportsmanship. He recounted ejecting parents from YMCA tournaments for fifth-graders and warned that a referee shortage could be devastating for student-athletes.
However, not all lawmakers are convinced. Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha questioned whether increasing penalties would actually prevent heated outbursts from fans, suggesting that the bill could simply result in more people ending up in prison. Others, including Spike Eickholt of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, said the bill was unnecessary, as existing misdemeanor assault laws already allow for fines and jail time. He suggested that schools and athletic venues could do more to educate fans about penalties for assault without introducing new legislation.
Despite the debate, Nebraska School Activities Association Assistant Director Nate Newhaus believes the bill could help hold aggressive fans accountable and send a clear message that violence against officials will not be tolerated. The bill now moves forward for further legislative debate.
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