MA H1625

Creates new criminal offense for assault or assault and battery upon sports officials at sporting events, punishable by up to 5 years in state prison, up to 2½ years in house of correction, and/or fines up to $5,000

Establishes crime of "criminal harassment of a sports official" for willful, malicious patterns of conduct that seriously alarm the official and would cause substantial emotional distress to a reasonable person, with same penalties as assault

Defines "sports official" broadly to include referees, umpires, linesmen, and similar rule enforcers who are registered with or members of local, state, regional, or national officiating organizations

Covers sporting events at all levels: interscholastic, intramural, community-sponsored, nonprofit, business-sponsored, professional, and semiprofessional athletic activities

Protection extends to pre-event and post-event activities, including surrounding parking areas