In Virginia, a football official is hit in the back with a chair. His assailant is let off with community service and an apology.
In California, the Metropolitan Officials Association is classified as its members’ employer and required to pay more than $50,000 in back unemployment and workers’ compensation.
In New Jersey, an umpire is sued by a slow-pitch catcher who was injured as a result of his legal choice not to wear a mask.
And in Illinois, a man who would’ve been a great official shakes his head at the buddy who’s trying to recruit him. There’s no way he’ll consider officiating. Says donning the uniform would equate to painting a target on his back.
He’s got a point. Lately players, coaches, fans, even state agencies have zeroed in on that target with alarming accuracy. The good news is that across the country officials are fighting back, and often winning, organizing grassroots efforts to change legislation on the three issues that affect them most: assault protection, independent contractor status and limited liability. The better news is that you — one person — can help erase the target altogether.