Hardin School Administration would like to take a moment to speak directly to all of you who support the School and all of our teams and student athletes. Your passion, enthusiasm, and dedication mean the world to our teams and athletes.
That being said, there’s something important we need to talk about. Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in behavior that doesn’t reflect the values we share as a School—behavior that’s hurtful, toxic, and, frankly, unacceptable. Whether it’s attacking others online, spreading negativity, or crossing personal boundaries, We want to make it clear that this is not the kind of energy we stand for.
We teach our student-athletes to behave and act with respect, kindness, understanding, and to exhibit good sportsmanship, and it’s essential that we maintain those principles in everything we do, online and offline. We have the power to create a positive, welcoming environment for everyone—fans, opponents, referees, and everyone in between. But that only works if we hold ourselves and each other accountable for the way we treat others.
So, we are asking you to remember that behind every post, tweet, and comment, there’s a person—someone who deserves the same respect and care that you’d want for yourself. If we’re going to continue to grow as school and foster these positive traits in our students the same is expected of you as the adults. Let’s make sure we’re doing so with compassion and maturity. If you continue to act in a negative way and not be supportive of our teams, opponents, coaches, referees, and each other then you may be asked to leave and not return to our events. MHSA as just adopted a new rule for fans and their behavior- Section 2.8.2 General Penalties, Any attendee ejected by mutual agreement of the Official and Administration from a regular season of MHSA tournament contest will incur a minimum three (3) game/event suspension from that team’s game/events and all other MHSA games/events in the interim at any level of competition. (this includes home and away events) If ejection occurs with fewer than three (3) games/events remaining in the team’s season, the suspension will carry over to the school's sports season which immediately follows. An attendee ejected for a second time during a school year shall be suspended for a minimum of one (1) calendar year from all MHSA regular and postseason events. MHSA member schools may increase these minimum penalties at their discretion.
Thank you for being the incredible fans and people you are in supporting our teams, coaches, referees, and visitors in the most positive and supporting ways we can. We have so much faith in all of you, and we know we can come together to make our schools and events even better. Let’s lead by example, lift each other up, and keep things positive.
Hardin 17H&1 Administration