As the winter high school sports season reaches its midpoint, competition and intensity are rising. Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) is calling upon all spectators, parents, students and student-athletes to respect the critical role that sports officials play in ensuring these games can take place. Without their dedication, there would simply be no sports.

“Our scholastic sports programs depend on these officials, who work tirelessly to ensure that games are played fairly and safely. Regardless of whether we agree with their calls, we must respect the difficult job they are there to perform,” said Gray. “Recent incidents of physical contact and intimidation toward officials have come to my attention. That is unacceptable and will only exacerbate an already serious shortage of referees and umpires across the state. If we do not strive to curtail this behavior, more games will be canceled, and fewer young athletes will have the chance to compete.”

The shortage of officials is not a new issue but escalating harassment and abuse have made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain them. In recent weeks, reports of local basketball and hockey games being canceled due to a lack of available officials have surfaced.

Legislation was previously introduced to address assaults on sports officials. Assemblyman Gray is committed to working with his colleagues in Albany to revisit and advance this legislation, ensuring officials receive the protections they need to continue their vital work.

“I will collaborate with legislators from both sides of the aisle to pursue solutions that safeguard our officials and preserve the integrity of high school sports,” Gray added. “However, this issue cannot be solved solely through legislation. It requires a cultural shift, starting with all of us setting a better example for our young athletes.”