Founded on December 23, 2023, in Newburgh, NY, SAYSO was created to bring awareness to the abuse of sports officials by athletes, coaches, and spectators. Across the nation, and within our community, the number of sports officials is rapidly declining. The primary cause of this shortage is the abuse faced during youth and interscholastic (school) contests. SAYSO provides a platform for officials t
o share their stories, which are then distributed to the public to shed light on this critical issue. By raising awareness, SAYSO aims to foster a cultural shift that ensures a respectful and safe environment for officials, athletes, coaches, and spectators alike. In addition to advocacy, SAYSO is committed to supporting sports officials’ associations by aiding in recruitment, building membership, and enhancing retention. The belief is simple: as awareness grows and abuse decreases, more individuals will be encouraged to join and remain in the profession. SAYSO envisions a future where respect and safety are foundational elements of every sporting event. Spectators, athletic directors, coaches, athletes, and officials all play a role in driving this change. Since its launch, SAYSO’s Facebook group has grown steadily, averaging one new member per day. Officials are actively sharing their experiences, and even those without social media are contributing their stories via email. SAYSO has also engaged with numerous sports officials’ associations, encouraging them to gather and share accounts of abuse from their members. Looking forward, SAYSO will continue to expand its reach, amplify voices, and collaborate with officials’ associations nationwide. Together, we can change the culture surrounding sports and create a respectful and safe environment for everyone involved.
