The decision is connected to an incident after a game played on September 18.
Last Monday, officials responsible for Youngstown City Middle Schools announced that the football season is over, effective immediately, for all schools in the district. The reason is poor sportsmanship and conduct. In a statement, officials said, “As a district, we are dedicated to creating a positive, respectful, and responsible environment for our scholar-athletes, which will better prepare them for their future endeavors.”
The decision has disappointed those who play and follow the games, mainly because one incident led to canceling games for the entire district. Still, it is also a learning experience for students. Good sportspersonship is a core value of sports, and that value is under stress, not only on the field but in life generally. That is one reason why it is important to emphasize it as students learn how to live their lives.
Hopefully, students, parents, and fans will learn that lesson so that next season can be played without incident.
