Georgia Enacts Law to Protect Sports Officials

(RACINE, Wis.) — Georgia Gov. Roy E. Barnes (D) made it official on Feb. 24 when he signed into law House Bill 265 — legislation increasing the penalties against those who assault sports officials. Georgia becomes the 14th state to pass such legislation since 1987.

Rep. Stanley Watson (D-Atlanta), himself a recreational sports official, introduced the legislation originally in January 1999. The thirteen-month battle required persistence and dedication to a cause close to his heart.

"There were some opposed to the idea of creating a special category for officials," said Watson. "But being an official, I was able to explain to my colleagues what is really going on out there. It’s a growing and serious problem that many don’t think exists."

The bill amends Article 2, Chapter 5, Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated as it relates to assault and battery. In simple terms, the law now protects sports officials working the collegiate, interscholastic and recreational levels from simple assault, simple battery or battery. The definitions of each of these acts will vary by state. The new law increases the punishment options for a prosecutor by making any attack on a sports official a "misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature." It provides judges the option to sentence first time offenders to a fine or community service; two-time offenders to a fine and jail time; and, a third-time offender is charged with a felony.

Under this law, officials are protected not only during the athletic contest, but also when arriving or leaving a game site.

2017 Lathrop Avenue  Racine,WI 53405
phone (262)632-5448  fax (262)632-5460
www.naso.org