http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/0 ... ack-title/HS pole vaulter’s f-bomb costs team state track title
Rick Chandler Jun 7, 2011, 3:19 PM EDT
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First of all, the pole vault is a sport invented by insane people, and anyone who attempts it should be allowed to curse with impunity. But the California Interscholastic Federation, sticklers that they are, do not agree. Loyola High School pole vaulter Evan Barr was disqualified from the event at the state championships on Saturday when he cursed loudly after failing to clear his last attempt. Still, he finished tied for third; giving Loyola enough points to edge Long Beach Poly for the title.
But because he cursed and was disqualified, Barr’s points were also taken away. So Loyola lost the title to Poly, 35 points to 32.
“He uttered a profanity out of frustration, and the officials thought it was significant to disqualify him,” Coach Mike Porterfield said. “He apologized immediately after he said it.”
According to Hal Harkness, the state rules interpreter, “You can’t be profane in a competitive area. He made an unfortunate lapse in judgment.”
Note to Hal and the CIF: Life is a competitive area. How about a warning? And then go ask Long Beach Poly how they feel about winning a state title under these circumstances.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog ... ool-wp2611Pole vaulter’s curse word costs team state track title
By Cameron Smith
When Los Angeles (Calif.) Loyola High pole vaulter Evan Barr, who you can see pictured in a practice below, failed to clear his final height at the California state track and field meet, he was understandably disappointed. The miss cost him an individual state title and ensured he would finish in third place instead.
Yet, to say that he expressed that disappointment in an inappropriate way is a bit of an understatement. As it turns out, his reaction cost Barr another state title as well.
After falling short of clearing the bar, Barr, whom you can see competing at the 2011 California Relays (not the state championship meet) in this video, let out a loud expletive. According to the Los Angeles Times, the curse word inspired judges to disqualify Barr from the event, with his points taken away from Loyola's team total.
That proved to be incredibly costly, as the adjusted points total cost Loyola a state track and field title. Instead, the Cubs finished second, with 32 points, behind Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High's 35 points.
"He uttered a profanity out of frustration, and the officials thought it was significant to disqualify him," Loyola track and field coach Mike Porterfield told the Times. "He apologized immediately after he said it."
Apologies weren't enough to save Barr or his team from what has to go down as one of the more ignominious and costly setbacks in recent prep track and field history.
If nothing else, the star vaulter has provided a compelling case of the importance of minding ones manners in the heat of competition.
"You can't be profane in a competitive area," California state track and field rules interpreter Hal Harkness told the Times' Eric Sondheimer. "He made an unfortunate lapse in judgment."
From the comments on this article:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsity ... l#comments1) The profanity shouted by the athlete in question was loud enough to be heard by fans in the bleachers.
2) The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)rules which govern high school sports in California are clear on an athlete's use of profanity. YOu can find it at nfhs.org. Here is the relevant passage from the Track & Field rule book:
ART. 2
Unacceptable conduct by a competitor includes, but is not limited to: willful failure to follow the directions
of a meet official, using profanity that is not directed at someone or any action which could bring discredit
to the individual or his/her school.
PENALTY: Disqualification from that event.
Pretty clear. All Southern Section coaches receive a copy of the NFHS rule book at the beginning of each season. It is the coach's responsibility to ensure that his/her student-athletes are well aware of the rules.
The officials enforced a clear cut rule in exactly the manner it is intended to be applied.
I repeatedly emphasize this rule and the no taunting rule with my athletes...since I'm aware that the general dynamics of youth culture cause many kids to be casual about the use of profanity and/or taunting.
Posted by: Sports Fan | June 06, 2011 at 03:32 PM