OSAA requires training to prevent discrimination at sporting events
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
The Oregon School Activities Association has implemented mandatory training to help make high school sporting events welcoming and safe for all.
Before the start of fall sports, all athletic directors, coaches and officials must go through the OSAA’s “Interrupting and Preventing Discriminatory Acts” training. The slideshow includes descriptions of racist and harassing behaviors that must be interrupted immediately and potential actions, including stopping the contest and ejecting fans, players or coaches.
OSAA, the state’s high school sports governing body, has previously shared the recommendations in assorted formats. The slideshow collects it all in one place and requires for the first time that participants sign off that they have reviewed it. OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber said consequences for not getting certified could include fines and forfeits.
“This hopefully sends a message about the seriousness we’re taking in this area,” Weber said.
OSAA placed two districts on probation last school year after racist incidents at sporting events. The association hadn’t taken such a step in years, but Weber said he’s unsure whether such racial incidents have increased. Instead, through media and better social understanding, people have become more aware of discriminatory behaviors, Weber said.
The National Federation of State High School Associations, the national rule-making body for high school sports, has made sportsmanship its No. 1 emphasis for the coming school year. NFHS CEO Karissa Niehoff contributed voice work for the OSAA slideshow.
La Grande School Board member Robin Maille appreciates the mandatory training.
The La Grande football team was accused of using racists taunts last year. The OSAA investigation was inconclusive, but La Grande instituted racial equity training, including OSAA’s S.T.A.R. Initiative. The initiative promotes creating a safe and welcoming environment and immediately disrupting discriminatory behaviors.
Maille, the board chair at the time, said incidents likely happen more often than most people think and it’s good that school officials are being told to be more aware and responsive.
She said fans, players and school officials need to remember that high school sports aren’t just about winning. Instead, Maille said, high school sports are about building confidence and providing positive opportunities for everyone.
