As a deeply concerned citizen and ice hockey official of 35 years, with thousands of games of experience at all levels, I've experienced and witnessed a disturbing trend across Massachusetts. Instances of assaults and aggravated harassment against sports officials have been significantly increasing, which is not only distressing but also contributes to the dwindling numbers of officials in all sports.

The vocation of officiating is in peril. Youth sports are at risk.

Following are just some of the events that I have become aware of over 35 years of officiating ice hockey.

• A parent arrested in front of children after trying to kick in a referee room door with police inside. 
• An irate father in street shoes chasing a referee around the ice. 
• Verbal abuse by countless out of control parents.
• Games ended early due to out of control parents.
• Coaches and parents entering the referee's room and stealing or throwing personal belongings.
• Referees being locked into their locker room.
• Referee slashed in the head by a player.
• Referee punched in the face by a player (multiple occurrences).
• Assistant coach biting an official.
• Coach stepping onto the ice and punching a referee in the face.
• Mother running onto the ice to debate officials during a fight.
• Mother waiting for referees and making physical contact with both.
• ...the list can go on...

We are not alone in these experiences. Fellow officials across the state, across all sports, have found themselves in similar, if not more dangerous, situations. This hostility must be addressed immediately. To that end, I am urging sports officials, fans, and the general public to unite in support of House Bills HD.1952, HD.2077, HD.1707 and HD.993. All bills are acts relative to the assault on and aggravated harassment of sports officials.

It is our understanding that legislators are working together in a bi-partisan manner to consolidate these bills.

These bills presents direct, realistic, and legislative solutions to the aforementioned issues. By supporting these bills, we can push for legislative measures that effectively deter these acts of violence and aggression, and provide justice for those who have already been affected. This strategy aligns with different states in the U.S. where similar bills have led to a decrease in reported instances of violence against sports officials, thereby fostering a safer environment for sport participation (National Association of Sports Officials, 2020).

The stakes are incredibly high. A sports culture devoid of respect for officials dissuades others from becoming referees, umpires, judges, thereby threatening the future of youth and high school sports in Massachusetts. Let us bring this matter to the forefront and ensure that needed protections for sports officials are in place. 

To every sports official, parent, athlete and fan, your signature can send a strong message to our legislators about the severity of this issue. Please sign this petition, urging them to support these House Bills.