Nebraska sports referees are calling for tougher penalties for assault and abuse from spectators, parents, and coaches. The proposed bill would make assaulting a sports official a felony, with the possibility of imprisonment. The bill, introduced by State Sen. Bob Andersen, seeks to address a rise in incidents of physical and verbal abuse towards referees, with one recent incident involving a spectator punching a referee after a youth sports contest. The bill is inspired by the assault of referee Marcus Marinkovich and a study that found a shortage of referees due to sportsmanship-related issues. The bill aims to ensure fairness and respect for sports officials and prevent future incidents of abuse. However, a lobbyist for the state’s criminal defense attorneys argues that current assault laws are sufficient and that announcing potential penalties before games could deter assaults. The Judiciary Committee is yet to take action on the bill. Referees emphasized the need for stricter consequences to increase their safety and deter potential abusers. Overall, the bill aims to address the growing issue of assault on sports officials and protect the individuals who play crucial roles in maintaining fairness in sports competitions.
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