[charlie22]

My thoughts on the subject, which are just that: my thoughts. If you disagree (and it seems like most people posting on here will), that's okay:

I don't want to shake the hand of a player that played dirty the entire game as his handshake at that time will be meaningless to me. If he wants to call me or text me the following week and apologize, that's fine. Likewise, I don't need to shake the hand of a player that demonstrated great sportsmanship the entire game; his actions on the field already proved he had class.

Shaking one's hand does not mean anything to me compared to how a kid played on the field.

There are plenty of other much more effective ways coaches and more importantly parents can stress sportsmanship to the players. For example: coach sees one of his players take a cheap shot, the coach immediately pulls the player for the rest of the game; disciplines him in practice the following week; and then gives him a second chance. If the player does it again, the player is off the team. For example: parents don't yell and scream like idiots (often using profanity) at opposing players and coaches and at refs; they lead by example. Doing that will do a much better job of instilling sportsmanship than some window dressing shaking of the hands afterwards.

I do find the new rule is somewhat embarrassing to the state, because it's an acknowledgement by the KHSAA that we have kids and coaches that can't control their emotions and lack sportsmanship. Remember the brawl between Fulton County and another team (Caldwell Co?) a few years back? The video of that disgusting event was seen nation-wide. I was on the BOC at the time, and I got contacted by friends all over the country telling me how embarrassing that event was to Kentucky. Now that event was truly embarrassing.

Finally, as for those complaining it's about the money, what if it is? Just where do you think the KHSAA's money comes from? It comes primarily from the schools' membership dues (your tax dollars) and ticket revenues at state championship games (your pocket if you attend). In other words: the KHSAA's money comes from me and you! So if the new rule results in the KHSAA not getting their pants sued off; if it results in the KHSAA not having to spend a large chunk of money in legal fees or to settle a big lawsuit, you should be extremely happy.