(ST. PAUL, MN.) – Efforts to address the growing threats against and assaults of youth sports officials progressed Monday, thanks to a proposal from Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) heard in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.
Under Sen. Gustafson’s proposal, assaults on youth sports officials resulting in demonstrable bodily harm or for intentionally throwing or transferring of bodily fluids or feces at the sports official would result in a gross misdemeanor.
“An increasing number of youth sports events are marred by adults lashing out, sometimes violently, at referees or umpires who are just trying to do their job,” said. Sen. Gustafson. “This crude, immature, and obnoxious behavior does nothing but set a terrible example for our kids and put people volunteering their time at risk. My bill seeks to deter this behavior and ensure youth sports remain a great opportunity to learn positive values.”
Aaron Frederickson, who has worked over 3,000 sanctioned youth soccer matches in Minnesota as a youth sports official, testified in support of the bill.
“This past fall I was physically assaulted twice by coaches at youth soccer matches. On both instances I did what I was supposed to do and reported the instances and also filed complaints with the corresponding police departments, and sadly nothing happened. You may be shocked as a lawmaker, however I wasn’t surprised I’ve seen this happen countless times to other youth soccer officials,” said Frederickson. “There is a toxic environment out there.”
Under SF 190, attacks on your sports officials including umpires, referees, judges, linespeople, timers, scorekeepers, and other similar positions would be added to the 4th degree assault statute (609.2231). Youth sports officials would join various professions that enhanced penalties are allowed for.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus Judiciary bill.
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Learn more about Sen. Gustafson.
