One kid's trash is another kid's...

[JetMetFan]

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey high school athletes who talk trash could find their teams penalized and themselves under investigation by the state Civil Rights Division.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and the state Attorney General's Office announced the new policy on Wednesday.

They say it brings athletic events into line with the state's anti-bullying law for schools.

The sports policy goes into place this fall.

Participants could be in trouble if they make harassing statements related to gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion. Referees would also be required to report incidents for possible further investigation.

[JRutledge]

SMDH!!!!

Really?

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

SMDH!!!!

Really?

Peace

Agreed. Civil Rights Division? Seriously?

[JRutledge]

So are they going to get involved when kids talk trash to each other on the playground? What about when playing video games?

Peace

[Nevadaref]

They will be focusing on an Illinois state championship game.

[Bad Zebra]

Leave it to the northeast to try to regulate trashtalking in an athletic event. Am I surprised? Not at all...but I would expect Connecticut or Massachusetts to be the first followed closely thereafter by New York. The only thing left would be to try to find a way to tax trash talking as well. I'd love to see the form the officials are expected to use to report such incidents.

[Multiple Sports]

Rut -

We had our posts deleted, just to let you know, I respected your opinion on the matter....

[JetMetFan]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

I'd love to see the form the officials are expected to use to report such incidents.

The form probably be the least of the worries. NJ already has an online form for Ts/ejections. It'll just be a matter of writing what little Johnny or Janey said. Nothing like a good old "he said, (s)he said."

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Adam

Agreed. Civil Rights Division? Seriously?

Isn't freedom of speech a civil right?

Mind you, that isn't applicable on the court, but when the government gets involved, that's overstepping.

JMF, I have to wonder what Gov. Christie would say to this.

[BatteryPowered]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Isn't freedom of speech a civil right?

Mind you, that isn't applicable on the court, but when the government gets involved, that's overstepping.

JMF, I have to wonder what Gov. Christie would say to this.

Yep...but participating in extracirricular activities is not. Want to play...you play by my rules. Don't like the rules...don't play.

That said...this is stupid and virtually impossible to enforce. So, if an official issues a T for taunting does the player also get charged with a crime?

[JetMetFan]

Originally Posted by BatteryPowered

So, if an official issues a T for taunting does the player also get charged with a crime?

No. It would depend upon what the kid said to the opponent and even then it's not as though the kid is going off to jail or being sued for a civil rights violation. If the comments were related to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or religion there could be issues. If the comment was about someone's mother or their opponent's inability to guard them, then it's business as usual.

[Multiple Sports]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Isn't freedom of speech a civil right?

Mind you, that isn't applicable on the court, but when the government gets involved, that's overstepping.

JMF, I have to wonder what Gov. Christie would say to this.

Heck freedom of speech on this site is censored.....

I made a post declaring one of the political parties at fault and saying a couple of talking heads would be doing a show on this topic. An esteemed member challenged my post in an intelligent rebuttal and both our posts were deleted. No arguing no name calling...just two adults expressing their opinion....

[Adam]

You're right. It's censored here. History has proven political discussions rarely, if ever, result in anything positive on this board.

Remember, freedom of speech does not apply here.