Behavior of some fans, players and a coach during Wellston High School’s boys basketball game against Coyle last Saturday night has led to the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association issuing an official egregious violation against the team.
Wellston School Supt. Mike Franz said Tuesday that the referees in that game turned in a report to the OSSAA.
He noted he first received an email from the OSSAA and then a phone call.
“It was determined the behavior met the egregious unsportsmanlike conduct by some parents, the coach and players,” Franz explained.
Because of that, Franz issued a letter to Wellston school patrons reminding them of a new rule and policy implemented by the OSSAA this past summer. The letter said in part, “This was communicated multiple times by myself and Coach Endecott.”
In the letter, Franz goes on to provide what the policy includes.
“No one was officially ejected. Several fans who had begun leaving were escorted on out towards the end of the game,” hesaid.
He confirmed he attended last Saturday night’s game.
Franz said in the letter that the policy stated any time an egregious act of unsportsmanlike conduct occurs two or more times during the same season, at the same school in the same activity, the team and/or individual will be suspended from participation in that activity for the remainder of the season.
“Fortunately, this is only one strike and no one is suspended” he said. “Unfortunately, we only get two strikes. The consequences of a second violation would be team suspension for the remainder of the season.
“No one wants that to happen to our boys. I am asking for your help here. I am taking responsibility for any behavior from coaches, players and students. I am asking you to take responsibility for behavior as parents and spectators,” he said.
“Be the best fans for our kids. Praise them for their efforts. Encourage them to be great on and off the court. Thank you,” the letter ends.
Franz acknowledged there were some controversial calls during a highly emotional game that Coyle won, 52-36.
He confirmed five technical fouls were called against Wellston, one against the coach and four on the players.
He said Tuesday he’s received some responses to his letter.
“They don’t want that and it isn’t acceptable behavior,” he said.
“We won’t let it happen again,” he concluded.