BASKETBALL WEEKLY BLAST #2
Please ensure you circulate the information in these “Weekly Blasts” throughout the season in an effort to consistently address the issues observed during GHSA games.
SPORTSMANSHIP – Basketball is a great game when four relevant things take place.
- Officials “officiate” the game
- Players “play” the game
- Coaches “coach” the game
- Spectators “support” their teams
When there are problems during the game, it is usually due to individuals trying to do something that is someone else’s responsibility.
Unsporting incidents are at an all-time high for this early in the season. In the first four weeks of the season I have received reports on more than 500 incidents, 150+ ejections, and 11 fighting incidents. This is UNACCEPTABLE!
Coaches are the first element in controlling unacceptable actions during the games. If coaches cannot control their players bad things happen. Players and spectators are often a direct reflection of the coaches. When coaches display poor sportsmanship, their players usually follow his/her lead.
When a fight or potential fight occurs, the head coach is responsible for the players on the court and at least one assistant coach is responsible to prevent bench players from coming onto the court. Keep in mind any and all players entering the court during a fight or potential fight are also subject to an ejection. Participating school game administration is responsible for keeping spectators in the bleachers and off the court. Host school game management is responsible to maintain the safety of the game officials prior to, during, and after the games. When these responsibilities are not adhered to, schools are subject to penalties and fines in accordance with GHSA By-Laws.
Officials are the gate keepers with sportsmanship during the contests. They have been instructed to have a “zero tolerance” for profanity, taunting, and assistant coach’s complaining about calls. Head coaches may question calls in a non-confrontational manner. But, once an official has responded it is time to move on and continue coaching.
By rule, GHSA By-Law 2.72 (a) state that ejections are judgment calls and are NOT reviewable or reversible. As such, officials must be sure that an ejection is warranted. The only time video review may be used is in the incident of a fight to determine combatants and players leaving the bench area. Additionally, GHSA By-Law 2.72 (f) (4) and 2.78 c. reference penalties for “repeat offenders”, both individual and school.
I really hate to have to take this entire “Weekly Blast” to address sportsmanship, but it must get better SOON.
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Be safe out there.
