Post-game Handshake
 

The post-game handshake that caused a huge commotion at the end of last season in Massachusetts is back.

The MIAA, the high school governing board for athletics in Mass., has sent all officials a "Post-game Handshake Tool-kit" that includes requirements not only to monitor the post game handshake, but to read a 47-word statement at the pre-game meeting with captains. The new rules apply to all team sports in Massachusetts, not just basketball.

The MIAA edict includes new language beyond "hang around and watch the teams shake hands."

Minimum requirement: Presence of Game Officials in close proximity to handshake line.
Enhanced Participation (optional): Presence and participation in handshake with coaches and student-athletes.

This is the language the MIAA is now "requiring" of officials in the pre-game. To be sure we get it right, the MIAA has sent a business-card with these words: (All formating is from the original.)

"Welcome to this Educational Athletic Event. Today's contest is an opportunity for all participants to demonstrate a commitment to good sportsmanship and fair play. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will be penalized. At the conclusion of the game, Players, Coaches and Game Officials will meet for the ceremonial handshake."

Like last season, there is a clause that allows the site manager or the officials to "suspend the handshake if circumstances so warrant."

The MIAA offers this guidance:
"As always, common sense prevails. If a game official or a game site administrator feels that this initiative should not be followed due to concerns which arise during the contest, or with crowd control issues, the handshake protocol may be suspended."

If common sense prevailed, this stupid "ceremony" would not even exist. After my experience in last season's playoffs, I will not be attending any PGHS ceremonies this year.

The part in red is an easy out for all officials. I'm never worried about a player taking a swing at me. It's the fans, who have time to come down out of the stands to confront me face-to-face, who worry me.

This is so dumb it is beyond belief.

Peace

I hope that post-game ceremony doesn't migrate West...

And I Don't Care If The Door Hits Me In The Rear On The Way Out Of the Gym ...
 

Here's what my post game hand "shake" will look like, as they get a good look at by back side as I'm on my way to the dressing room:

http://re3.yt-thm-a03.yimg.com/image/25/f12/546288680

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha

For the most part, the handshakes will go fine. However, it seems like officials are getting put on a tee to take a bunch of cheap shots.

What are the local associations saying about it?

BillyMac:

I am with you 100%.

MTD, Sr.

A lot of stupid ideas that start in Massachusetts migrate north. Probably because a lot of Massachusetts residents migrate north. Hopefully, this is not one that follows suit.

The next line in the MIAA guideline is: Immediately upon completion of the PGHS go directly to the parking lot and make sure all spectators go to their cars and leave the premises without incident.
Two coaches and site/game management can't handle the PGHS??? WTF!!!

[quote=BayStateRef;537384] The MIAA offers this guidance:
"As always, common sense prevails. If a game official or a game site administrator feels that this initiative should not be followed due to concerns which arise during the contest, or with crowd control issues, the handshake protocol may be suspended." [/quote]

Good call.

I don't know about you, Mick, but I'm concerned about the crowd after every single game.

Absotively ! Posilutely!

Do tell Scrappy-doo...what happened? Enquiring minds want to know.

At least they've provided you with a "Tool Kit". :rolleyes: