Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Felony Charge for Assaulting Sports Officials

Veteran referee Dan Robbins testifies in favor of new legislation to deter attacks on referees.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Dan Robbins, a veteran high school and collegiate sports referee in Rhode Island, has testified before state lawmakers in favor of a new bill that would make assaulting a sports official a felony offense. Robbins has experienced firsthand the growing problem of fan and player aggression towards referees, including being physically assaulted after a game in 2007. The proposed legislation would impose penalties of up to 3 years in prison and a $3,000 fine for assaulting a referee, with harsher punishments for cases resulting in serious bodily injury.

Why it matters

Referees play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and safety of sporting events, but they have increasingly faced threats and violence from angry fans and players. This legislation aims to serve as a deterrent and protect officials who are simply trying to do their jobs.

The details

The bill, sponsored by two state senators, would make assaulting a referee a felony offense at any level of play in Rhode Island. The punishment would include up to 3 years in prison, a $3,000 fine, restitution to the victim, community service, and/or mandatory counseling. For cases resulting in serious bodily injury, the penalties would increase to 3-20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Not everyone supports the proposal, with the ACLU and public defender's office arguing it could lead to overcriminalization.

  • Robbins was assaulted by a player after a game he officiated back in 2007.
  • The legislation was proposed and heard by lawmakers in March 2026, but no action was taken and it was held for further study.

The players

Dan Robbins

A veteran high school and collegiate sports referee in Rhode Island who has officiated for over 30 years and has experienced firsthand the growing problem of fan and player aggression towards referees.

Sen. David Tikoian

A former Rhode Island State Police trooper who is sponsoring the legislation to make assaulting a referee a felony.

Sen. Todd Patalano

A current Cranston police major who is co-sponsoring the legislation and hopes it will serve as a strong deterrent against attacks on officials.

American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island

An organization that has argued against the proposed legislation, believing it could lead to overcriminalization and mass incarceration.

Office of the Public Defender

An organization that has also argued against the proposed legislation, believing simple assault is already a misdemeanor crime with appropriate penalties.

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What they’re saying

“Sporting events, in my opinion, are supposed to be fun. There's enough harm in society. We don't need to bring it into schools where we're supposed to be having fun.”

— Dan Robbins, Veteran Referee (WPRI)

“It'll send a strong message to anyone who thinks they can come to a game and threaten an official for what they consider to be a bad call.”

— Sen. Todd Patalano, Cranston Police Major (WPRI)

“It's just a deterrent. We need some kind of deterrent. We have to start somehow deterring people from acting in these manors and fashion.”

— Dan Robbins, Veteran Referee (WPRI)

What’s next

The proposed legislation is currently being held for further study by Rhode Island lawmakers after its initial hearing in March 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of violence and aggression towards sports officials, which can undermine the integrity and safety of sporting events. The proposed legislation aims to serve as a deterrent, but faces concerns about overcriminalization from civil liberties groups.