Is the Post-Game Handshake Line Becoming a Risk in High School Sports?
A troubling trend in New Jersey high school athletics is the post-game handshake line, long regarded for its sportsmanship, has been the location of multiple disputes and violence. Coaches, athletic directors, and organizations argue whether the ritual is appropriate in modern athletics.
Rival teams wait for handshakes or appreciation after games. State sports associations say it teaches respect and integrity. Multiple violent incidents necessitated reevaluation. After a junior player was knocked out during the handshake line, one coach believed team emotions would make the custom hazardous.
A young athlete fainted after being sucker-punched in the handshake line and kicked and trampled, fracturing his cheek bone. This caused a lawsuit and controversy among New Jersey high school athletics authorities. The handshake line in a heated college game caused an emotional situation. A veteran coach feels that emotionally raw players in that line after difficult action can turn “good game” handshakes into ugly clashes.
Coaches identify patterns. A significant high school soccer match ended in handshake line punches and shoves. Teams have reported skirmishes, pepper-spray responses, and security interventions in other states. The issue transcends youth sports. Aggressive handshakes have caused professional issues.
The New Jersey high school sports governing body promotes sportsmanship through the handshake line. Their guidebook advises sportsmen to look at opponents, shake hands, and show respect. Not shaking hands after a bad loss sends the wrong message. Administrators are addressing objections and determining if the custom is safe and advantageous in competitive settings.
Many athletic directors and coaches give possibilities. The handshake before the game, when both teams are calmer, is becoming common. Some argue schools should save the handshake line for lower-intensity games or eliminate it for emotional rivalry games. When handshakes were banned at COVID-19, one coach said game-end fighting decreased.
The handshake line remains, but student athlete protectors say the actual work is teaching behavior, supervising competition closure, and managing on-field emotions. Some argue that deleting the handshake line would only temporarily improve behavior. A handshake is a sign of respect, yet emotions can derail it.
The question is whether to reform, limit, or eradicate the custom. Many value sportsmanship, but high school athletics in the 2020s are risky, so location and scheduling may need to change.
