[Mark Padgett]

I don't know how the law works "down under", but here in the land of unlimited Michael Jordan comebacks, each state can pass laws mandating civil and criminal penalties for assaults on sports officials.

We have such a law here in Oregon. NASO can be extremely helpful in assisting any interested sports official in getting this type of legislation passed in their state.

As to insurance, my NASO insurance covers lots of stuff, but I'm not sure it covers me against assault. Of course my standard medical insurance would cover my medical bills.

Here's another twist. As I've mentioned before, as a referee, I am actually an employee of my corporation. My company contracts for my services. If I chose to cover myself with a worker's comp policy, I guess I could try to make a case for an "on the job injury", although an assault would be a stretch. Actually, the point is moot, since I choose to opt-out on comp coverage. I have that option, since I am an owner. However, if I could find a legal ruling somewhere that I would be covered in that instance, I may change my mind. Paying a couple of hundred dollars a year might be a prudent investment.