Be careful with shows of good sportsmanship in the state of Kentucky! High school sports teams have been advised to forgo post-game handshakes in order to prevent fights.
On Tuesday, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association suggested that schools across the state to avoid the customary post-game handshake, The Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
“While it is an obvious sign of sportsmanship and civility, many incidents have occurred … where fights and physical conflicts have broken out,” the original directive from Commissioner Julian Tackett read. “Unfortunately, the adrenaline and effort required to participate in the sport sometimes seems to deplete the supply of judgment available to participants.”
But, as Tackett made clear in a follow-up statement issued on Wednesday, the directive was not meant to be a ban, but simply an advisement. The Commissioner blamed a poorly-written statement and the carelessness of social media users for the misconception.
“Somehow, the word ‘ban’ or ‘prohibition’ was interpreted to be included,” he wrote. “In the normal sprint to be the first to break news, some of these erroneous conclusions became ‘viral’ through social media.”
Tackett made it clear, however, that schools should monitor post-game rituals closely, to ensure a safe and calm environment for all competitors.
“If they do not have adequate personnel to properly monitor, then they shouldn’t allow the activity,” he noted.
He added that schools will be held accountable for the conduct of students and coaches should they decide to move forward with post-game handshaking. Additionally, Tackett clarified that referees and officiating crews are not responsible for things that take place after the conclusion of a game.
