Observing the Handshake

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BayStateRef

The high school governing body in Massachusetts, the MIAA, has put in place a recommendation that game officials remain on the court at the end of a game to observe the handshake between teams. This "recommendation" will become a requirement next year -- for all team sports in Massachusetts.

The Massachsetts State Basketball Officials Assn. has decided it will not honor this request and has advised officials to "immediately exit the playing area" as has been the practice.

The officials have told the MIAA that if this requirement is going to be in place for the state tournament this season, the officials will not enroll in the MIAA and presumably not accept tournament games.

The vast majority of Massachusetts high school officials are IAABO members. IAABO has also advised officials not to remain on the court to observe the handshake. The officials say they are concerned for their safety and welfare of officials.

No word yet from the MIAA.

It would be a cold day in hell before I did this. Thank goodness I don't live in Massachusetts anymore, cause I hate ignoring state associations.

I did have a partner once who asked me whether we should stay, as the play had been slightly heated. My response was that if there was to be a punch thrown during post-game, I sureashell didn't want to see it and have to deal with it. That's what coaches and parents are for.

[Mark Dexter]

From the website:

#5. If for any reason you have a concern that monitoring the hand shake may be an issue and you feel it would be better to leave the court area, leave the court as you have been previous to the implementation of this initiate. [The form developed for this eventuality must be completed - click http://www.miaa.net/Sportsmanship-Ha...port-Form.pdf]


If "any reason" suffices, then I would just say that my (and my partner's/partners') safety is an issue and we will be following the previous procedure.

Also, doesn't the noun form of "initiate" only apply to fraternity pledges and the like?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

There is only one thing I can say about the people in charge of the MIAA, and that is that they are:


MORONS!!

MTD, Sr.

[Indianaref]

MIAA should hire police officers with black and white stripped shirts to monitor the handshakes.