Post-game handshake controversy in Kentucky
Get ready for lots of controversy and debate after the Kentucky High School Athletic Association sent out a “Commissioner’s Directive” warning schools about their organized post-game handshake lines because of fighting.
Handshakes after games are considered part of the sports experience and a sign of sportsmanship. They happen at every level from high school to college to the pros.
Kentucky will still allow players to shake hands voluntarily, but more than two dozen fights in the last two years have raised concerns. There was a brief misunderstanding on Tuesday after a directive was sent out that caused some to believe handshakes were banned. Julian Tackett, the commissioner, clarified the statement that there is no ban.
The Marmonte League banned handshakes for one season in 1994 because of altercations and faced an immediate backlash.
“To be blunt, it was stupid,” said Moorpark Athletic Director Rob Dearborn. “It’s a game. You have to be able to shake hands afterward. Who’s running the house _ the kids or the coaches?”
Kentucky is not banning handshakes, but is putting schools on notice about the consequences when the handshakes turn into fights.
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