Jay GreesonThe WIAA would like fans not to use chants that could hurt the feelings of players on other teams. Among those chants mentioned by the WIAA were "Airball!" and "Scoreboard!" - two of the most common (and cleanest) from high school student sections anywhere.
When pressed on the matter, the WIAA in its cowardice had its communications director send out a statement that the state association did not ban any specific chant as much as it sent a guideline of potentially hurtful possibilities, saying the suggestions were "a guide to help our schools in promoting positive chants."
Buckets. Simply buckets. (Or is that too strong a word choice, one that potentially could offend or trample the delicate sensibilities of our young people who may or may not be reading?)
Where to start? OK, first, here's a big glass of shut the heck up, WIAA.
Really? This is the biggest problem you have among your athletic programs? We're betting not.
Next, one of the most valuable lessons high school sports can deliver - one that is worth far more than the successes for the winners or potential scholarships for the select few - is dealing with adversity and setbacks.
Handling the pressure of playing on the road and earning the satisfaction of quieting a hostile crowd are two of the greatest joys of participating in really competitive high school hoops. Now, whether they realize it or not, the WIAA is trying to take that joy from so many.
And why? It's certainly in large part to protect the emotional well-being of one glass-case-raised child whose mother was offended when she heard "Airball! Airball!" at Rival High when her child missed the basket.
Instead of standing up to Mama Airball, obviously the WIAA caved and turned its back on one of the fundamental truths of all of sports: Don't want to (fill in the blank)? Then don't (fill in the blank).
Think about it. Don't want the opponents to run up the score? Well, stop them from scoring. Don't want the other player to run his mouth? Then shut him down. Don't want the other team to celebrate at the plate after a home run? Don't hang the curveball.
And if you don't want to hear "Airball!" or "Scoreboard!" well, don't shoot airballs and be sure to score more points than the other team.
Now, to make matters worse, the WIAA has suspended one of its players for sending out a tweet that read "Eat S*** WIAA."
OK, let's get this straight: Here in Hamilton County we have three basketball players who played four extra games before being dealt with after allegedly raping a teammate with a pool cue, and the WIAA jumps in on a high school girl who voiced protest with profanity?
Wow. You stay classy, Wisconsin.
This is so much worse than the "everyone gets a trophy" crowd of youth sports for so many reasons, as bad as that can be.
This is high school sports. This is supposed to be about pride and competitive and preparation. Not pampering and sugar-coating and emotional censuring.
Taking it a step further, this is the latest example of leading and governing for the individual squeaky wheel rather than leading and governing for the good of the masses or the proper common goal for all.
Wisconsin sports - where competition and mental toughness are optional.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6343. Follow him on Twitter @jgreesontfp.