Parents and athletes could incur a year in prison under the proposal.
Olympia, Washington – Youth referees told Washington State Senators that they needed more protection.
Some have testified in Olympia to support Senate bill 5272which would strengthen sanctions for those who harass or attack referees or civil servants during school sporting events.
Bob West, a former wrestling referee, told a Senate panel on the moment when a high school wrestler scrambled him during a match in Colville in 1996.
“I stopped breathing, I was unconscious for about five minutes and I underwent four -neck surgeries due to this vicious attack,” said West.
The proposed legislation would double the current sanctions, increasing the maximum fine to $ 1,000 and causing a maximum prison sentence of one year. Students involved in such incidents could also be expelled or prohibited from secondary study sports up to a year.
Porsche Phelps, a mother and representative of Teamchild, said that sanctions are too severe for adolescents, whose brain is still developing.
“This could cost them years of education, team consolidation and scholarship opportunities,” Phelps told senators. “This will also increase abandonment rates, lead to isolation and aggravate mental health.”
A version of the bill of the bill should arise for a vote of the committee this week.