To prevent assaults on sports officials

The bill aims to protect sports officials—like referees and umpires—by making it illegal to assault them. If someone attacks a sports official during or around the time of a game, they could face a fine between $500 and $5,000, or up to 2.5 years in jail, or both. Additionally, it prohibits forcing a sports official to stay on the field after a game is over. Violating this rule could lead to a fine up to $200 or up to 30 days in jail.

MA H1682 is a house bill in the Massachusetts 194th General Court, sponsored by Rodney Elliott (D), currently “Introduced” since February 27, 2025.

We track 6,464 Massachusetts bills this session, 16 of them sponsored by Rodney Elliott.

Supporters of this bill would likely highlight how it strengthens protections for sports officials, acknowledging the importance of their role in maintaining fair play. By setting clear penalties for assaulting officials, the bill could deter violent actions and support a safer environment in sporting events, whether amateur or professional.

Critics might argue that the bill imposes overly harsh penalties for incidents involving sports officials, potentially criminalizing situations that could be resolved in other ways. They might also express concerns about enforcement and the potential for arbitrary application of the law, especially regarding the requirement that officials not be compelled to remain on the field post-game.