MSHSAA STATEMENT ON NATIONAL ANTHEM

[MOsportsStaff]

MSHSAA Member Schools Administrators and Coaches;


The Missouri State High School Activity Association (MSHSAA) does not have a Bylaw regarding demonstrations and the National Anthem for its member schools. Further, the sport of football allows each team to determine if they are on the field or in the locker room for the National Anthem.Local school policy and practices must determine your approach regarding the National Anthem and individual expression.


I hope coaches will use this opportunity to talk with their players; this shouldn’t be about mimicking professional athletes, but a discussion on why individuals feel so strongly on both sides of this issue. This is a learning opportunity for all those involved in education-based athletics and leaders should take this occasion to teach student-athletes and to discuss the subject at hand and make informed decisions accordingly. Respect is a core principle we teach through sports, and is a key characteristic of learning to become a responsible adult.



Further, here are some recommended do’s and don’ts when dealing with students at your schools:


·Whether one agrees with the action or not, sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem is a protected First Amendment right, and MSHSAA cannot disallow the athlete from sitting or kneeling during the Anthem.


·As a coaching staff, take time to discuss this issue with your school administrators before broaching the topic with your team.You may simply want to talk about why some people choose to sit or take a knee during the Anthem.Show that you are open to the conversation, and use it as a teachable moment.Discuss alternate ways to be active within the political/social process.


·Talk to your team about not reacting to what another team does during the Anthem.Choose to approach the contest with class and with an appropriate measure of competitive spirit.


·If you think you might have a player who is considering sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem, you may consider asking the team member(s) ahead of time to let you know.This would be another great opportunity for open dialogue on the topic.


Ultimately, we must all be open to conversations about this issue and other sensitive topics.There are many diverse opinions each of us can learn from.


Respectfully,


Kerwin Urhahn, Executive Director

 

[shoot90draw]

Well said. I like it!

 

[Mitsurugi san]

Leave the kids out of it; keep the teams in the locker room (just my opinion).

 

[anon_utvqikut1knht]

MSHSAA Member Schools Administrators and Coaches;


The Missouri State High School Activity Association (MSHSAA) does not have a Bylaw regarding demonstrations and the National Anthem for its member schools. Further, the sport of football allows each team to determine if they are on the field or in the locker room for the National Anthem.Local school policy and practices must determine your approach regarding the National Anthem and individual expression.


I hope coaches will use this opportunity to talk with their players; this shouldn’t be about mimicking professional athletes, but a discussion on why individuals feel so strongly on both sides of this issue. This is a learning opportunity for all those involved in education-based athletics and leaders should take this occasion to teach student-athletes and to discuss the subject at hand and make informed decisions accordingly. Respect is a core principle we teach through sports, and is a key characteristic of learning to become a responsible adult.



Further, here are some recommended do’s and don’ts when dealing with students at your schools:


·Whether one agrees with the action or not, sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem is a protected First Amendment right, and MSHSAA cannot disallow the athlete from sitting or kneeling during the Anthem.


·As a coaching staff, take time to discuss this issue with your school administrators before broaching the topic with your team.You may simply want to talk about why some people choose to sit or take a knee during the Anthem.Show that you are open to the conversation, and use it as a teachable moment.Discuss alternate ways to be active within the political/social process.


·Talk to your team about not reacting to what another team does during the Anthem.Choose to approach the contest with class and with an appropriate measure of competitive spirit.


·If you think you might have a player who is considering sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem, you may consider asking the team member(s) ahead of time to let you know.This would be another great opportunity for open dialogue on the topic.


Ultimately, we must all be open to conversations about this issue and other sensitive topics.There are many diverse opinions each of us can learn from.


Respectfully,


Kerwin Urhahn, Executive Director

Nice liberal talking points, Kerwin. Just as players (who have zero idea what they are "protesting") can kneel we fans can boo/walk out. Either the first amendment applies to all or, in the long run, will apply only to the elites. Thankfully I don't think this will ever be an issue in my hometown or in 99 percent of NWMO.

 

[TigerFalcon42]

It is not a right, but a privilege to represent your school, community, teammates and coach at an athletic sporting event. If the coach has an expectation regarding behavior/respect for the flag and the country it represents, they also have the right to discipline athletes for not following the team code of conduct.

 

[Steelblues89]

Nice liberal talking points, Kerwin. Just as players (who have zero idea what they are "protesting") can kneel we fans can boo/walk out. Either the first amendment applies to all or, in the long run, will apply only to the elites. Thankfully I don't think this will ever be an issue in my hometown or in 99 percent of NWMO.

We ran into that last year in the semi-final game at Miller Career Academy. It was disgusting! Miller was the hosting team and refused to play the national anthem. The week prior they stood on the sidelines with fist raised in protest. I have attended games for over 50 years and that was the first time ever that the national anthem was not played. Disgraceful in my opinion. I was pleased we took them to the woodshed! Funny how KARMA works.

 

[Cards1968]

We ran into that last year in the semi-final game at Miller Career Academy. It was disgusting! Miller was the hosting team and refused to play the national anthem. The week prior they stood on the sidelines with fist raised in protest. I have attended games for over 50 years and that was the first time ever that the national anthem was not played. Disgraceful in my opinion. I was pleased we took them to the woodshed! Funny how KARMA works.

I was shocked to learn this, but the National Anthem is optional...

H. STAR SPANGLED BANNER: If played, it shall be completed prior to the required coin toss (3 minutes prior to the kickoff) and the area between the 40 yard lines must be vacated by all non-toss participants at the same time.