Legislators resist protecting sports officials

For reference, I have officiated high school since I was 33. I am now 78 and still regularly doing high school softball, basketball, and football. So, when I say we are already canceling games due to a lack of officials, I know of where I speak. One of the main reasons cited by people quitting officiating is verbal abuse from fans and now repeated incidents of physical attacks on officials. Attacks in Iowa recently have sent officials to the emergency room.

Right now Bills HF52 and SF50 are in committee in Des Moines. These bills specifically protect officials by increasing penalties for those who physically attack or threaten sports officials with a weapon.

For some reason, they are meeting resistance. I am a lifelong Democrat but on this issue I disagree with those Democrats who oppose this bill. Until you have been in a gym with hundreds or even thousands of people within 200 feet you and not one of them sees you a person, just “the ref or the ump” it is difficult to imagine. You have emotions on a razor edge, seven to 10 adults on the floor, two or three in stripes, and the other adult coaches who often are yelling, demanding, ordering their kids and yes, complaining in our ear as we try to focus on the game. It is not for the faint of heart. Truly, the only friend I have in that arena is my fellow official.

Biased as I probably am, I see us as public servants. We provide a mandated service by public law and The Iowa High School Athletic Association. Unlike police and Fire, this is not our vocation but an avocation you truly have to love to do for years and years. Some folks love woodworking, some gardening, some fishing, but I ref … usually three to four days a week in season.

All due respect, but I doubt anyone has feared for their safety from a potted plant, a bass, or a birdhouse.

Please support these bills, HF52 and SF50 and contact your local legislators. We are not kidding when we say more and more games will be canceled if we cannot keep young people involved in officiating longer than a year or two.

Ted Wernimont lives in Coralville and is a member of the Iowa City Officials Association.