Kentucky Athletic Association Advises Schools to Discontinue Postgame Handshakes

http://www.kentucky.com/2013/10/08/2866222/the-kentucky-high-school-athletic.html

“While it is an obvious sign of sportsmanship and civility, many incidents have occurred … where fights and physical conflicts have broken out,” according to the 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 downplayed the order, saying 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. Students can still shake hands with other players voluntarily.

“You’re on notice, if you’re going to do this, you’re going to be accountable,” Tackett said.

When first issued, the directive specifically stated: “It is hereby directed that teams and individuals do not participate in organized post-game handshake lines/ceremonies beyond that interaction that is required…”

After news of the directive led to criticism on social media Tuesday, the wording was changed to: “It is prescribed that teams and individuals do not participate in organized post game handshake lines/ceremonies beyond that interaction that is required … and the individual unorchestrated actions by individual competitors.”

If schools ignore the directive and hold an organized handshake, 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 advises officials to leave directly after the game, without getting involved in any post-game activities such as handshakes. 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.”

In the revised directive later Tuesday, Tackett added notes stating: “Nothing about this directive is etched in stone as far as post game procedures. As the document states, the schools continue to have the option to have post-game handshakes as always, provided they are properly supervised.”

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