New York youth sports leagues and schools are struggling to find referees. Games are being postponed and some canceled as a result.

There are a number of reasons why, but a big one is the negative and often hostile behavior of spectators and parents as they watch the games.

“I don't know how much money it would take to be able to stand there every day and take criticism and abuse from people when they need you, just trying to do a good thing,” Section III Athletics Executive Director Jay Czarny said.

The harassment has gotten so bad that one state lawmaker is pushing to make it illegal.

What You Need To Know

  • Some state lawmakers are once again pushing a law that would criminalize spectators for harassing and/or abusing officials

  • Section III Athletics are, like leagues everywhere, struggling to find enough officials

  • Officials say harassment from parents are a big reason they don't want to work anymore

State Assemblyman Scott Gray, a Republican representing a district in the North Country, is one of a handful of legislators looking to revisit — and this time pass — a piece of legislation that would make it illegal to harass and/or assault a sports official.

Criminal charges could apply.

“It was probably the last thing that we wanted to do as legislators, was to try to legislate behavior at sporting events,” Gray said.

Gray hopes this legislation would be more of a deterrent than anything.

“We’re just trying to make sure that sporting events can continue without incident,” Gray said.

However, he adds, if we're going to hold our children responsible for their behavior, then we absolutely must demand the same from the adults.

This is the third time this bill has been introduced in Albany, but the previous two versions never reached the floor for a vote. Gray said he’s hopeful the continued harassment and the growing lack of officials will help change some minds this time around.