Legislators in Washington state have introduced a bill that aims to impose strict penalties for anyone who harasses referees or officials at school sporting events.
Officials and referees testified before a Senate panel this week.
Bob West, a former wrestling referee, told the panel about the time a high school wrestler head-butted him during a match in Colville in 1996.
"I quit breathing, was unconscious for about five minutes, and have undergone four neck surgeries as a result of this vicious attack,” said West.
According to KING-TV, the proposed legislation would double current penalties, increasing the maximum fine to $1,000 and resulting in a maximum prison sentence of one year. Students involved in such incidents could also be expelled or prohibited from high school sports for up to a year.
A mother and representative of TeamChild, Porsche Phelps, said the punishments are too harsh for teens, whose brains are still developing.
“This could cost them years of education, team building, and scholarship opportunities,” Phelps told senators. “It will also increase dropout rates, lead to isolation, and worsen mental health.”
A House version of the bill is expected to come up for a committee vote this week.
