The problem of verbal threats and physical violence against sports officials is one that’s getting worse in Massachusetts, said Rep. Rob Consalvo, D-Hyde Park.

His bill is one of four filed in the Massachusetts legislature this session that provide penalties against those who assault or harass sports officials.

The punishments include fines and jail time.

The problem of verbal threats and physical violence against sports officials is getting worse in Massachusetts, said Rep. Rob Consalvo, D-Hyde Park.

“Every week, literally, we hear stories of sports officials, hockey refs, basketball refs, umpires and others who have been literally, physically assaulted, punched, beaten up, followed to their cars, into locker rooms and sometimes even harassed in their homes,” said Consalvo at a

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