20250HR__011999INT INTRODUCED 2026-06-10 2025 HR INT Introduced by Assembly Member Alanis LEAD_AUTHOR ASSEMBLY Alanis Relative to International Referees’ Day. International Referees’ Day

WHEREAS, International Referees’ Day is observed annually on October to recognize referees, umpires, and sports officials around the world for their dedication and service to the games they support; and

WHEREAS, Sports play a significant role in the cultural life of the United States and bring together individuals and communities across diverse backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, Officials at every level of sport, including youth leagues, school athletics, college, and beyond, help create safe, organized, and competitive environments for all participants; and

WHEREAS, Referees play an essential role in ensuring that athletic competitions are conducted fairly, safely, and in accordance with the rules; and

WHEREAS, Through their integrity, impartiality, and timely decisionmaking, referees uphold the spirit of fair play and promote respect, discipline, and sportsmanship among athletes, coaches, and spectators; and

WHEREAS, Referees serve as authoritative decisionmakers during athletic competition, ensuring adherence to rules and maintaining order on the field of play; and

WHEREAS, Many referees dedicate significant time to training, certification, continuing education, and travel, often without commensurate recognition; and

WHEREAS, Referees often serve under pressure and are required to make difficult decisions in real time, drawing on training, experience, and sound judgment; and

WHEREAS, Youth sports organizations, including organizations such as the American Youth Soccer Organization, as well as many local leagues, hold unofficial referee appreciation days near the end of their seasons; and

WHEREAS, Athletes, coaches, and families demonstrate appreciation through gestures such as written acknowledgments, small tokens of gratitude, and respectful sideline behavior; and

WHEREAS, Fostering respect for referees promotes good sportsmanship and contributes to a more positive environment for athletes, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, International Referees’ Day provides an opportunity to recognize officials whose work supports not only athletic competition, but also the values of fairness, teamwork, and mutual respect;

now, therefore,

be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly hereby recognizes October 11, 2026, as International Referees’ Day; and be it further Resolved, That the Assembly honors referees, umpires, and sports officials for their dedication, integrity, and contributions to fair play at all levels of sport; and be it further Resolved, That the Assembly encourages athletes, coaches, families, leagues, and communities to express appreciation for sports officials and to foster a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and positive conduct during athletic events; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.