A viral video sparked strong responses from fans and media, both in Wisconsin and even some nationally. The WIAA issued a statement on the matter. You can watch the video clip below.
WIAA ISSUES STATEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA POST
STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association acknowledges that the short video clip that was released on social media Sunday may be seen by the casual observer as insensitive.
In the celebratory situations following a State championship, it is not possible for the WIAA to know the individual traditions and rituals of all the schools, teams, families and players involved.
For the safety of all involved, we keep spectators off the playing surface. As an organization that runs large events on a regular basis, our focus is always on the safety and “what if’ situations that can evolve quickly and cause potential harm to innocent bystanders.
When the WIAA staff receives advanced requests regarding special family situations or needs, we do our best to accommodate if and when possible.
The WIAA has reached out to the family to express its regrets for any distress they may have experienced.
The membership of the WIAA oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 511 senior high schools and 37 junior high/middle level schools in its membership. It sponsors 27 championship tournament series for boys and girls in 2016-17. For more information, please contact the WIAA office at (715) 344-8580.