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Conduct Unbecoming

December 21, 2012

We had some of the most exciting games ever – and a couple of “instant classics” – but as I watched the MHSAA Football Finals at Ford Field in late November, I sensed a loss of something schools have successfully preserved until now.  It is this:

While first the NFL and then the NCAA have allowed showboating behavior on the field, high schools have not . . . until recently, it seems.

At the high school level we have penalized sack dances and end zone prances . . . until now, apparently.

I am so disappointed – embarrassed, really – that coaches and officials are allowing players to strut and point after touchdowns and tackles and to demonstratively wave their arms to signal incomplete passes.  Drawing attention to themselves.  Disrespecting opponents.

Such behavior has no place in educational athletics; and it’s time we address it. Before it’s so much a part of school sports culture that we cannot.

Posted in: Football, Sportsmanship
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Comments

Mike Wibert
Friday, December 21, 2012 9:22 AM
I totally agree with you.
Barry Hobrla
Friday, December 21, 2012 11:49 AM
I agree, our society has become so endeared with it's an all about me attitude. Whatever happened to the old adage of "act like you've been there before". It has even permeated to the stands where some spectators seem to think what happens on the court or playing field is not nearly as important as letting everyone know they are present by their dress or actions.

Part of our charge in education is to teach positive character traits. Lets remind our students that respect, integrity, compassion, honesty and responsibility should be part of the game and that the "Golden Rule" should still exist.
Gary Meredith
Saturday, December 22, 2012 5:07 PM
As a FB official it's amazing to me to see kids hurdling into the end zone with no defensive players in the vicinity, and then wondering what they did wrong when you throw the flag at them? They see this stuff on sundays, evidentally their coaches don't tell them they can't do what they see on TV? I think that is where this all has to start. In the locker room and on the practice field. If it doesn't, FB gets to be more of an individual sport instead of the team sport it is meant to be.

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About the Author

Jack Roberts

Jack Roberts has been at the helm of the MHSAA as its Executive Director since 1986, implementing programs and overseeing tournament administration and regulations for the Association which boasts 1,600 member schools, 13,000 registered officials and 13,000 head coaches.

During the last 38 years, Roberts has spoken to educator and athletic groups, business leaders and civic groups in more than 40 states and five Canadian provinces as one of the nation's most articulate advocates for school sports.

Roberts has served on several national association boards and is board president for the Refugee Development Center, and chairs the board of directors of the Michigan Society of Association Executives.

He is a 1970 graduate of Dartmouth College, where he was a three-year starter for the Ivy League's winningest football team during that span.

His wife, Peggy, recently retired from her post as coordinator of the Power of We Consortium. They are passionate world travelers and have two grown sons: John, who is employed by the District of Columbia Public Schools; and Luke, who - with his wife, Alison - are teaching in China.