Staff writer
Following state basketball tournaments March 8 to 10, the Centre and Hillsboro school districts and their communities received sportsmanship awards from the Kansas State High School Activities Association.
Centre received a Certificate of Sportsmanship in the Class 1A Division 1 Girls’ Division. Hillsboro cheerleaders received medals, and the school received a sportsmanship plaque in the Class 3A Girls’ Division.
Three independent judges supervised by a chairman are assigned to attend both sets of tournament games — girls’ and boys’ — in every division.
They observe and assign points to the cheer squad, student body, pep band, players and managers, head coach, assistant coaches, and fans. The points range from 5 for excellent to 0 for unacceptable.
The things they look for are respect for the flag and national anthem, respect for opponents, and observance and enforcement of citizenship and sportsmanship rules. Technical fouls and celebrations on the court during or immediately after a game result in reduction of points.
After the tournament ends, the judges meet with the chairman, compare notes, and determine the recipients.
“Schools often proudly display these awards in their trophy cases,” Romine said.