TRENTON, NJ – The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a bill sponsored by former Governor Richard Codey and Senator Joseph Lagana, aiming to address the growing issue of violence against youth sports officials. The bill, S-709, seeks to upgrade the classification of assaults on these officials, reflecting the seriousness of such offenses.
Under the proposed legislation, any assault against a youth sports official resulting in bodily injury would be classified as a third-degree crime, potentially leading to a prison term of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. If the assault does not result in bodily injury, it would be considered a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Senator Codey (D-Essex) highlighted that assaults on youth sports officials have been on the rise post-COVID-19 pandemic. Such incidents have not only driven new officials away but have also transformed what should be a positive and educational experience for children into a stressful and potentially dangerous environment.
The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) supports this viewpoint, citing a decline in the number of active officials and referees, leading to numerous game cancellations. Their 2023 survey revealed that over half of the 35,000 sports officials surveyed had feared for their safety due to aggressive and threatening behaviors.
Senator Lagana (D-Bergen) pointed out the numerous high-profile incidents in New Jersey where parents or spectators have threatened or assaulted referees and other officials. The bill, which was advanced with a 9-0 vote, aims to make youth sports safer and less unruly by significantly increasing the penalties for such violent behaviors.