providing penalties for the assault or harassment of sports officials.

This bill creates a specific criminal offense for assaulting or harassing sports officials, such as referees, umpires, or timers, while they are working at a sports event. It applies to anyone who commits acts of violence or threats against these officials in designated areas like the field, parking lots, or spectator zones, treating these actions with the same legal penalties as standard assault charges. Additionally, the law allows courts to ban convicted individuals from participating in sports events for a set period, up to life for repeat offenses but no more than 12 months for a first violation. The legislation is designed to protect both paid and volunteer officials who enforce rules during organized amateur or professional athletic contests.