State blames fights for end of post-game handshakes

For decades teams would form lines after a game and slap hands while saying “good game.”

But the executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations admits the days of sportsmanship may be over.

"We have seen that erosion occur at almost every level; almost every state association can point to an incident like this," Bob Gardener said

Gardener is referring to the “commissioner’s directive” in Kentucky that doesn’t ban the handshakes but does discourage them.

"While it is an obvious sign of sportsmanship and civility, many incidents have occurred where fights and physical conflicts have broken out," the directive says.

Players can still approach each other on an individual basis.

But if an organized handshake is held and problems break out, school administrators and coaches would be subject to fines.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports some are OK with the new rule but others are pushing back.

Lexington Catholic boys' basketball coach Brandon Salsman told the paper "I'm a big proponent of sportsmanship, and we're going to shake hands, win or lose, unless my bosses tell me not to."

More here.