Washington Assault Bill Leaps Major Hurdle

(RACINE, Wis.) — The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) celebrated a small but meaningful victory when it learned that the Washington Senate passed SB6117 by a vote of 31-15 last night. The bill creates a special circumstance category allowing prosecutors to charge those that assault a sports official with a "gross misdemeanor." Under the proposed legislation, a conviction would mean a jail sentence as long as six months and/or a maximum fine of $500.

If passed, Washington could become the 14th state to enact special legislation providing increased penalties against those who physically assault sports officials. Ten other states are currently considering similar laws in their legislative bodies.

Four years ago NASO member Bob West, Spokane, Wash., began a grassroots campaign supported by NASO to have legislation created that would provide more than a "slap on the wrist to those who take the law into their own hands," he said. It was West, a high school wrestling official, who was brutally head-butted by a participant in a January 1996 match. The attack has drawn national attention.

"The video of that particular incident demonstrated the brutality and swiftness of an action that is becoming all too common," said NASO President Barry Mano.

West lay unconscious for several minutes following his incident and suffered neck and head injuries. He still suffers from migraine headaches four years after the incident.

"We’re very happy to learn the senate has taken a major step in passing this legislation," added Mano. "We still have a ways to go."

The bill was forwarded to the education committee of the Washington House of Representatives. If it passes through committee, a floor vote could occur as soon as next week. If passed, it would then go to Gov. Gary Locke for his signature.
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