Illinois law protecting sports officials takes effect at midnight

(RACINE, Wis.) — Illinois residents beware. Effective Jan. 1, people who disrupt live sporting, musical and theatrical events will face potential prison time and a minimum fine of $1,000. For sports officials working amateur, interscholastic, intercollegiate or professional games, it’s a welcomed relief.

National Association of Sports Officials President Barry Mano notes that the law won’t stop all the taunts and abuse directed at officials, but he agrees that such a law can help.

"The intent of this law is to provide for serious consequences when someone crosses the line and becomes physically abusive," says Mano.

Including Illinois, there are now 17 states across the country with similar laws. NASO has been advocating protective legislation for sports officials since 1987.

"It’s far too easy for a overzealous fan or parent to point their finger at the official and blame them for their team’s misfortune," says Mano. "The problem is really at the youth level where there is little security. Mom or dad gets upset and wants to challenge the official when they leave the court or field. In many instances, the officials working at this level are new and learning as they go along, just like the players. There’s going to be mistakes — it’s all part of the learning process. But, it’s getting so bad — and people are taking these games so seriously — that many good officials say, ‘I’ve had enough’ and quit. It’s also having an effect on recruiting young people to become officials. They see the parents and coaches berating the officials and then say, ‘It’s not for me.’"

The Illinois law was sponsored by Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), last summer after the city was once again embarrassed nationally by a fan charging on to the Chicago White Sox Cellular One field and trying to attack a Major League Umpire.

"Chicago was left with a black eye because of the stupid acts of a couple of people, and we want to prevent any type of follow-up activity," says Fritchey. "The idea of this bill is to serve more as a deterrent than a punishment. Fans whose stunts jeopardize people's safety will have a "real price to pay,"

Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who pushed the bill through the Illinois Senate, told the Chicago Tribune last summer, "We have so many rowdy fans, and the situation had just gotten really out of control."

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, created the new offense of criminal trespass to a place of public amusement. It is designed to crack down on anyone who illegally enters restricted areas, such as a playing field, basketball court, stage or locker room.

The crime will be a felony, punishable by up to 3 years in prison, instead of a minor trespassing violation. Along with the minimum $1,000 fine, an offender could be required to perform 30 or more hours of public or community service.

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SIDEBAR: In addition to Illinois, the states with similar laws protecting sports officials are: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. Minnesota has specific protection for high school officials and both Idaho and Washington have endorsed resolutions calling for an end to physical assaults against sports officials.