North Country Leader

As the winter high school sports season progresses, Assemblyman Scott Gray from Watertown is urging respect for sports officials. He emphasizes their essential role in facilitating fair and safe games, noting that without them, sports would not be possible.

Gray stated, "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." He highlighted recent incidents of physical contact and intimidation towards officials as unacceptable behavior contributing to a shortage of referees and umpires statewide. This shortage has led to game cancellations, limiting opportunities for young athletes.

The problem of finding enough officials is longstanding but worsened by increasing harassment. Reports have emerged about local basketball and hockey games being canceled due to a lack of available officials.

Legislation aimed at addressing assaults on sports officials was previously introduced. Assemblyman Gray is dedicated to collaborating with colleagues in Albany to revisit this legislation and ensure adequate protections for these vital figures in high school sports.

Gray further commented, "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." He stressed that resolving this issue requires more than legislative action; it necessitates a cultural change where everyone sets a better example for young athletes.