The bill amends West Virginia Code §61-2-15a to enhance protections for athletic officials and participants at sports events by clarifying definitions and establishing minimum penalties for assaults and batteries committed against them. It defines "athletic official" as individuals enforcing event rules, such as referees and coaches, and "participant" as players or team members during games. The bill stipulates that committing an assault against an athletic official or participant is a misdemeanor punishable by fines ranging from $250 to $500 and jail time of five days to six months. A battery against these individuals carries a higher penalty, with fines between $500 and $1,000 and jail time of 10 days to 12 months.

Additionally, the bill empowers county boards of education and governing boards of state institutions to issue written bans for individuals convicted of such offenses, prohibiting them from attending state school sports events for at least 365 days. If a banned individual refuses to leave a sports event upon request, they may face prosecution for trespassing. This legislation aims to create a safer environment for all participants in school sports by imposing stricter consequences for violent behavior.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-15a
Committee Substitute: 61-2-15a
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 61-2-15a
Enrolled Version: 61-2-15a