“I apologize to the students that weren’t involved. Although this is an unfortunate situation, basketball is a team sport. The team wins together and the team loses together, and that day, both teams failed together.” — Bobby Cox, IHSAA commissioner.
Students at both Pike and Ben Davis high schools agree: the atmospheres at their schools have changed since the suspension of their varsity girls basketball teams. The punishment came after a fight broke out during a game. The fight involved not only players, but also coaches, parents and fans. The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) soon thereafter canceled the remainder of the 2015–16 season for both teams — forcing both to sit out of the state tournament. Although students from each school agree the girls should not have been fighting, they say the girls should’ve been given another chance.
“I understand why the season had to be suspended, but I still think the girls should have been given the chance to make it up so they could finish their season,” said Ben Davis senior Jaysha Jones, 17. “Most of the girls on the basketball team are seniors this year and won’t get another chance to play.”
Ben Davis High School is known for its athletic successes, having won 11 Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) titles, 24 sectional titles, 13 regional titles, five semi-state titles, four state titles, 11 Marion County titles and one national title.
Regardless of wins, fighting is where IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox said the line must be drawn.
“When we have these reoccurring situations that become violent and dangerous, it is disappointing. We must not be getting the message out clearly that proper sportsmanship is expected,” Cox said.
According to Rule 8 of the IHSAA bylaws, “Contestants’ conduct, in and out of School, shall be such as (1) not to reflect discredit upon their School or the Association, or (2) not to create a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral or educational environment in the School.”
Students at Pike High School were outraged when news of the suspension broke.
“After hearing the news, many students were upset and thought about rioting to get our girls back on the court,” said Pike senior Bryan Reed, 17.
This type of behavior is exactly what Cox says the IHSAA cannot tolerate.
“We’re not trying to make an example of anyone. We don’t issue penalties because we want to make sure everyone sees it; we’re doing it because it was an egregious violation of what we expect from a member school,” Cox said.
During a time when violence has soared in Indianapolis, some community members were concerned that suspending the remainder of the girls’ seasons would eliminate a positive activity for them to take part in. Cox said although he understands that fear, student athletes have a duty to uphold.
“There is a duty by the student athlete to protect their privilege. Athletics at the scholastic level is a privilege. It is not a right, and students earn that privilege by adhering to rules,” he said.
To the players who were not involved, Cox reminds them basketball is a team sport.
“I apologize to the students that weren’t involved. Although this is an unfortunate situation, basketball is a team sport. The team wins together and the team loses together, and that day, both teams failed together,” said Cox.
Once the teams serve their suspension, they will be placed on one-year probation by the IHSAA. Cox said he never enjoys ending a team’s season, but it’s tough love.
“That’s the tough love the IHSAA is distributing to individuals that violate those rules.”
For more information regarding IHSAA rules and regulations, visit ihsaa.org.
