New Texas law gives game officials more protection from unruly fans

The new law sets penalties for fans who become physical with officials. The schools must investigate incidents and fans could be barred from attending UIL events for up to five years.

It's time for Friday night lights in Texas. While student athletes are preparing to take the field, the officials who call the games are hoping a new law gives them a reprieve from some of the more aggressive fans.

Mike Fitch is the executive director of the Texas Association of Sports Officials.

"We have had officials physically assaulted in the parking lot or sometimes as they are leaving the confines of the field or court. They have been chased. They have been followed out of the parking lots. I mean the list goes on and on," said Fitch.

In response, the state legislature passed HB 2484 filed by Representative Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City. The new law sets penalties for fans who become physical with officials. The schools must investigate incidents and fans could be barred from attending UIL events for up to five years.

Fitch says the measure is needed as physical attacks have become more common, making it difficult to retain referees.

"For every 10 officials we get this year if we are lucky, we get five of them back next year. Then by the third year we probably only have two or three," said Fitch.

Fitch says most of the problems take place at sub-varsity games or with indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball. He says that's probably because the officials are in closer proximity to the fans than they are at the larger venues which host varsity football games.

The majority of the officials with the Texas Association of Sports Officials do not make a living from calling games. Fitch says they are just members of the community who want to give back to the student athletes. He says most members are lucky to recoup their expenses and don't deserve the abuse they receive from unruly fans.

However, he does have this message for the fans who are constantly complaining: "If you think you can do better go to TASO.ORG and show us what you can do."