SB 6117-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/9/00)

     Finds that interscholastic activities provide valuable opportunities for participants to develop social and personal skills that can be useful throughout their lives.  These activities also benefit other students and spectators by building school spirit, unity, community support, and community identity.

     Finds that interscholastic activities would not be possible without the commitment of officials, judges, referees, and volunteers who work at the events for little or no financial gain.

     Declares that the values engendered in interscholastic activities are being undermined by participants and spectators who do not respect the commitment of these officials.  Increasingly, these people are expressing their dissatisfaction through inappropriate verbal abuse and behavior directed at the officials.

     Declares an intent to provide additional support and protection for officials conducting interscholastic events.

     Makes a violation of the act a gross misdemeanor offense.

     Repeals RCW 28A.635.120.