Texas Passes New Law to Protect Sports Officials

AUSTIN, Texas — On June 13, Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott signed into law a bill to deter assaults against sports officials. HB 2484 states a school district shall prohibit attendance at University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletic events for a period of one to five years for a spectator who engages in conduct that intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to a sports official.

According to the law, the district may establish a process so the spectator can appeal to the district, and it can determine the facts associated with the conduct.

Texas Rep. Ryan Guillen, who filed the bill Feb. 17, and Sen. Morgan LaMantia were major sponsors of the legislation and instrumental in getting it passed.

“I had been aware of, and alarmed by, the increasing abuse of sports officials throughout the nation,” Rep. Guillen shared in a statement. “While engaging with my constituents, I heard firsthand about the challenges facing sports officials as well as the difficulties of school athletics in retaining qualified referees. After reaching out to stakeholders, such as TASO (Texas Association of Sports Officials), I was told that abuse of officials is the No. 1 controllable reason for sports officials leaving the avocation. I am a strong supporter of high school athletics and understand that officials are a vital component.”

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Automated Strike Zones Not Coming in 2024

Automated ball-strike (ABS) systems may not be deployed in MLB next season after all.

Commissioner Rob Manfred, who previously said he wanted to see it rolled out in 2024, moderated expectations following a midJune owners meeting. “I think there’s some sentiment among

The bill also requires a district to provide a peace officer, administrator or other security personnel to ensure the safety of a sports official until he or she leaves the site if a participant or spectator threatens violence or otherwise disrupts the duties of the sports official.

The legislation was signed into law two years after Texas passed a protection law prohibiting a student from participating in any future extracurricular activity if the UIL determines the student intentionally caused bodily harm to a sports official. Texas is also among the states with a law relating to the punishment of assaults against officials.

The new law, which was pushed for and supported by TASO, became effective immediately upon the governor’s signature.

“Our members are appreciative that the abuse of officials is finally being recognized and addressed,” said Michael Fitch, TASO executive director. “We’re not going to solve this problem overnight, but it is our goal to make more progress each year, not only through the legislative process, but other initiatives as well.” the group that we made a lot of changes here,” Manfred said. “We ought to let the dust settle, and there are clearly unresolved operational issues with respect to ABS. Despite all the testing, we still have some things that are unresolved.” ABS is being used throughout Triple-A this season, with two methods being tested: one uses ABS for all calls and the other allows batters and catchers a limited number of challenges.

“I trust that when parents and other spectators understand the consequences of their behavior under the new law, changes will take place,” Rep. Guillen stated.

Collins Named NCAA Soccer Coordinator

INDIANAPOLIS — John Collins has been named the NCAA men’s and women’s soccer national coordinator of officials, the NCAA announced in early June.

As the national coordinator, he will oversee communication among officials, conference coordinators, coaches and NCAA national office staff and will help provide consistency in the interpretation of NCAA soccer rules and referee mechanics.

In addition, Collins will work with the Division I, II and III men’s and women’s soccer committees in the identification, training, selection and evaluation of officials for each championship. Collins succeeds Ryan Cigich, who recently retired from the role.

“I’m extremely honored to receive this appointment from the NCAA and excited to serve our student-athletes, coaches and soccer officials,” Collins said in a news release. “Thank you to Ryan Cigich for his leadership over the last 11 years, which has produced many advancements for college soccer officiating. I look

Former NBA Referee Mayfield Dies

James “Woody” Mayfield, who officiated in the NBA and later went to work for a team providing officiating-related advice, died June 1 at age 74. A cause of death was not given. Following a decade of college basketball officiating, Mayfield began a 10-year career in the NBA in 1988. He left the floor due to knee problems, but his officiating knowledge was put to use by the Dallas Mavericks, who hired Mayfield as a consultant. At the time of his death, Mayfield resided in Georgetown, Texas.

Pay Boost for Oklahoma Officials

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association