Policy addressing unsportsmanlike conduct in athletics gets mixed reaction in Wellington

WELLINGTON, Kan. (KWCH) - The Wellington Public Schools Board of Education voted to approved an updated policy addressing unsportsmanlike conduct in athletics, a policy meeting mixed reactions in the community.

The new policy says that if an athlete commits unsportsmanlike conduct, they will be suspended from the rest of the game and suspended from the following game up until the point they were taken out of the first.

The policy, on the books for every sport in the Wellington school district, was already implemented by the district superintendent before the school board vote.

In response to it, some think the suspensions are too extreme while others say the policy could get student athletes to more carefully consider consequences for their actions.

A player was suspended under the new policy after he received a personal foul for a late hit in a football game.

Wellington Public Schools said the policy wasn’t put in place because of the recent situation involving a player but because of a rise in unsportsmanlike conduct over the past few years. The district offered the following statement attributed to USD 353 Superintendent Adam Hatfield.

“On Monday, November 11th the USD 353 Board of Education approved a new athletic policy for unsportsmanlike behavior. This policy applies to all USD 353 coaches and student-athletes participating in activities at any level. It is intended to reinforce sportsmanship and respectful conduct in all competitions. While success in our athletic programs is an important part of our school district, USD 353 feels that educating our students on personal conduct in competition is just as important. Over the past few years, unsportsmanlike conduct has been on the rise in our district and the new policy aims to keep safety and sportsmanship a priority. Educating and preparing our students for life after their school career is our number one priority.”

12 News reached out to all of the Wellington school board members and received one response. The member wanted to remain anonymous but said that the decision was made too quickly without adequate time to discuss it and there was already a policy in place that would allow for the same punishment.