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These High School Cheering Guidelines Are Just Too Much
Imagine heading to your high school’s big game, ready to cheer for your team, only to discover that the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has decided to put a damper on the fun. Their latest “cheering standards” aim to eliminate any teasing or rivalry that can occur at sporting events. Sounds a bit extreme, doesn’t it?
According to reports from Yahoo Sports, the WIAA is now enforcing rules that prohibit any cheering that could be perceived as taunting the opposing team. This means saying goodbye to harmless traditions like “the wave.” The guidelines, which the WIAA insists are not new but are just being enforced more strictly, apply to cheerleaders, players, and fans alike in an effort to promote good sportsmanship. In their email, they expressed, “We encourage enthusiastic support for our teams in a positive manner. However, anything meant to taunt or disrespect the other team or their fans is unacceptable.”
They even provided examples of cheers that have been deemed inappropriate, including the classic “air ball” chant, booing, or playful comments like “there’s a net there.” Sure, no one wants blatant disrespect in sports, but isn’t a little friendly ribbing part of the game?
When these guidelines were shared with students, the backlash was swift. One high school athlete even received a suspension for tweeting, “Eat it, WIAA,” which, while not the best example of decorum, certainly captures the frustration many feel. People are taking to social media to vent their disbelief and ridicule the overzealousness of the WIAA.
While encouraging good sportsmanship is vital, some venues are so concerned about following the guidelines that they’ve even considered banning cheering altogether. If the fear of expressing excitement turns high school games into silent events, what’s the point?
High school sports are a crucial part of the experience, teaching kids discipline, respect, and how to handle both victories and losses with grace. It’s one thing to prohibit openly hostile behavior, but treating any competitive banter as unsportsmanlike seems absurd. The WIAA might have good intentions, but they risk making these events so sterile that fans might just prefer to stay home.
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Summary
The WIAA’s new cheering guidelines for high school sports aim to eliminate any form of taunting or rivalry, which many see as an excessive crackdown on fun. While promoting sportsmanship is important, the fear of expressing excitement could detract from the spirited atmosphere that makes these events enjoyable.