Out of control parents, players and fans taking their rage out on the refs. These problems appear to be getting worse, which could have widespread effects on local youth sports.
The article from Yahoo Sports, titled "11 Investigates: Sports officials under fire," discusses the increasing incidents of abuse and harassment faced by sports officials across various levels of sports. It highlights how verbal and physical attacks on referees, umpires, and other officials have escalated, leading to a shortage of willing officials as many are quitting due to the hostile environment. The piece includes interviews with officials who share their experiences of being threatened and insulted, and it also touches on the efforts being made by sports organizations to address this issue through stricter penalties for abusive behavior and campaigns to promote respect towards officials. The article emphasizes the need for a cultural change in sports to ensure the safety and retention of officials.
Read the Full WPXI Article at: [ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/11-investigates-sports-officials-under-191315223.html ]
Sports & Competition
Mon, May 5, 2025
