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Too many fights. WTF is going on with the country?
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/10/08/2866222/the-kentucky-high-school-athletic.html
By Linda B. Blackford lblackford@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has issued a "Commissioner's Directive" telling schools not to hold post-game handshake lines because of too many fights and physical conflicts.
"While it is an obvious sign of sportsmanship and civility, many incidents have occurred ... where fights and physical conflicts have broken out," according to a Commissioner's Directive that went to schools on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, the adrenaline and effort required to participate in the sport sometimes seems to deplete the supply of judgment available to participants."
According to the missive, more than two dozen fights in the past three years in Kentucky have broken out at post-game ceremonies.
Although athletic and school officials were buzzing about the order Tuesday afternoon, Commissioner Julian Tackett said it was "much ado about nothing."
There are no rules requiring the post-game handshake, and too many times, there hasn't been enough supervision to stop conflicts during the ceremony.
"You're on notice, if you're going to do this, you're going to be accountable," Tackett said.
However, the directive specifically states "it is hereby directed that teams and individuals do not participate in organized post game handshake lines/ceremonies beyond that interaction that is required."
If schools ignore the directive, it is the responsibility of the school administrators and coaches, not referees and officials, to keep the peace. Any unsporting acts will result in a fine. The directive also says that if game officials, who are independent contractors with the KHSAA, involve themselves in post-game activity, they will be penalized.
Tackett said that if parents were concerned about sportsmanship, "they wouldn't treat the referees like they do chase them off the fields, follow them to cars, not to mention the language that's used."
Don Adkins, athletics director for the Fayette County Schools, said school administrators have always been responsible for post-game behavior. He said he would be meeting with all the school athletic directors to talk about the policy.
"As far as I'm concerned, I think our players should be held to that accountability," he said. "When the game is over, I want to shake hands with that guy, and tell the guy, good job."
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/10/08/2866222/the-kentucky-high-school-athletic.html#storylink=cpy
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