Below is a note sent to officials by a "purposely-made anonymous" State Athletic Association explaining why currently proposed legislation "criminalizing" attacks on sports officials is a bad idea. While I believe the proposed legislation itself has mostly to do with non-scholastic officials, this State office appears to feel it might undo some of the hard work they have done to improve Jr. and High School sportsmanship.
I've highlighted some of the interesting comments; but I thought it would be helpful to hear from the Refstripes "intelligencia" as to your thoughts on those and any other points in the memo - and the subject as a whole.
To wit:
Dear Officials:
As many of you are aware, there has been media coverage regarding a proposed bill dealing with sports officials and assault. There recently has been some criticism that we haven’t “had the backs” of sports officials regarding this proposal for a new state law. To make a difference of opinion about legislative strategy the litmus test of our support for officials does not tell the full story.
Moreover, from the standpoint of coaches and spectators, we is often criticized for our unconditional support of officials, even when officials occasionally misapply a game rule or misjudge a contest situation. That we always back officials, even when they are wrong, is a criticism that resonates with the public far more than the recent, rare criticism that we don’t have officials’ backs on a piece of legislation that we believe lacks real substance.
Despite the hype and hope, there are two things the proposed legislation will not do:
First, additional legal sanctions will not dissuade someone who has momentarily lost his or her mind to pause and think, “Oh yeah, If I slug this person, there’s an extra penalty.” There is no evidence that such legislation works as a deterrent to emotional outbursts. Second, putting such legislation on the books will not improve sportsmanship on the front lines. Such laws are empty words; improving sportsmanship is year-round, grassroots work of real substance.
Because our energies are invested in the ongoing work of improving sportsmanship in interscholastic athletics’ special niche in the world of sports, we have been known nationwide for several decades as a high school association with great passion for good sportsmanship and innovative programs to improve sportsmanship. This week, and almost every week, we have staff traveling “anytime, anywhere” to deliver face-to-face education to groups of high school coaches who, more than anyone else, influence the behaviors of both players and spectators. This type of training and education becomes mandatory for new varsity head coaches starting with the 2016-17 school year.
Through the years, we have promoted sportsmanship with audio and video and print promotions. We’ve conducted statewide, league and local sportsmanship summits as well as team captain and student leadership workshops. We have rewarded good sportsmanship, and penalized bad. All sportsmanship penalties are enforced without appeal; in other words, an ejected coach or player are automatically suspended for the next day of competition without any reduction, compromise or second-guessing of the official’s original call and subsequent penalty.
Our Constitution requires every member school to adopt a code of good sportsmanship for its athletes, coaches and spectators, an educational program to promote good sportsmanship, and a system of progressive discipline for failure to behave according to the code of good sportsmanship. A condition of Association membership is to demonstrate that those requirements are being met. Time and money spent on real solutions, not symbolism, is our approach to creating and maintaining a higher level of sportsmanship. And it’s the best way for us to demonstrate its ongoing support for contest officials that are currently within our ranks, and it’s the best way for all of us to attract and recruit new officials into the fold. The publicity this bill may generate spotlights the rare and unusual aspects of an otherwise safe and wholesome vocation – school sports officiating. We do not wish this bill to taint or harm efforts to bring new men and women into officiating while continuing to support the loyal thousands who currently serve without controversy or fear.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to provide this update. We cannot thank you enough for all you have done, and will continue to do, for school sports.
