Below is a statement The Arizona Interscholastic Association released Tuesday morning on fostering diversity as the state basketball tournaments are set to begin. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND STAFF ON CULTURAL SENSITIVITY & HUMILITY

PHOENIX, AZ (FEBRUARY 13, 2017) – ​ ​As basketball tournament season begins, the AIA's Executive Board and staff want to remind all member schools, participants, and spectators of the mission of Arizona interscholastic sports and the association:

“Create and sustain ethical culture through activities that encourages maximum student participation by providing AIA member schools with an even playing field to ensure fair and equitable competition in interscholastic activities.”

As our member school teams pursue victory with honor, it is important that everyone, including spectators, family, and friends of players demonstrate trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship from the stands. Fairness and respect are expected for all cultures represented by our diverse student and fan population.

Members schools are responsible for maintaining good sportsmanship at games and contest as outlined in the AIA Constitution and Bylaws (AIA, 2.6.2.3):
“Conduct of Participants - The responsibility for the conduct of the coaches, players and spectators at any athletic or non athletic contest shall lie with the administrators of the schools whose teams are participating in the contest. This responsibility includes ensuring conduct by the coaches, players and spectators which adheres at all times to the principles and spirit of good sportsmanship.”

“There have been a couple of recent incidents in which fans and players were treated disrespectfully. While I am pleased that school administrators responded quickly, it is our sincerest desire that all students, players, spectators, families, and friends at the upcoming tournament are treated with respect. This is a time to celebrate and support the students and teams who have worked hard to be in the tournaments,” said Executive Director Dr. Harold Slemmer.

The upcoming tournament is an excellent opportunity for everyone to demonstrate the six pillars of character and the tenets of Pursuing Victory with Honor.

AIA MEDIA CONTACTS : BRIAN BOLITHO; DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS MEDIA; BBOLITHO@AIAONLINE.ORG; 602-385-3822 SHAY PAUSA, SHIFT.CONSULTING SHAYPAUSA@SHIFT.CONSULTING 480-451-1399.