Per the directive issued below by the KHSAA, postgame handshaking is over. Effective immediately. Please read.

 

 

 

Several sports have “traditions” regarding post game handshakes, etc. by team members, but none of them have such action dictated by playing rules. While it is an obvious sign of sportsmanship and civility, many incidents have occurred both in Kentucky and throughout the country, where fights and conflicts have broken out. And this is not restricted to specific sports. In our state alone, incidents in soccer, football and volleyball have occurred this fall.

 

Unfortunately, the adrenaline and effort required to participate in the sport sometimes seems to deplete the supply of judgment available to participants. After consultation with the Board of Control at its last meeting, the Commissioner is issuing the following directives and recommendations to the schools and officials regarding post game:

 

Following the contests, officials are to quickly and efficiently leave the playing facility following all rules mandated duties and ensure that the rules book mandated jurisdiction ends promptly. There is no need for officials to secure the game balls, shake hands with the coaches or players, or stick around the playing area for any other reason.

Officials have no role in what goes on in post game, including handshakes, etc. after jurisdiction has ended. Officials choosing to involve themselves in post game activities will be penalized appropriately;

Game management and the administration of the participating team(s) are solely responsible for what happens after the contest is concluded. It is directed that teams and individuals do not participate in organized post game handshake beyond that interaction that is required by the NFHS playing rules (i.e. the awarding of a bout winner in wrestling);

The coaches and administration of the teams are responsible for the individual conduct of the members of the team following the contest and shall be held accountable for such; and

If the decision is made to ignore this directive and participate in some form of postgame handshake against this recommendation, it is the expressed responsibility of game management and the coaches and administration of the teams to supervise the activity, to report to the KHSAA any incidents that occur.

Henceforth, any incidents by an individual squad member (including coaches) or group of squad members that results in unsporting acts immediately following the contest will result in a fine against the member school athletic program, and additional penalties against the individuals or schools as deemed appropriate following investigation.

 

It is disappointing that this action has become necessary, but enough incidents have occurred both in our state and in others, that the necessity has arrived.

KHSAA seems to be back pedaling a bit. Taking a beating on social media over this. Saying its not a directive but Prescribed. Not sure of the difference. However, If schools participate and something happens schools or individuals could be fined $1000. Not sure its worth the risk.

I predict the KHSAA will edit this. LeBron took a lot of heat from the media when he didn't shake hands at the end of the NBA Finals. Isn't part of the KHSAA supposed to teach players sportsmanship? Is this a message of sportsmanship or one of avoidance?

http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-football-high/no-more-postgame-263031.html