A recent study of 350 local grass roots sport umpires found that 1 in 5 had been abused.

Including being pushed or punched by coaches, players and spectators.

Jason Fernie, an OzTag referee who was violently assaulted during a game in 2022, told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast that he was told he couldn't officiate after recovering from the incident, but wasn't given a reason why.