After this past weekend, all seven classes of high school football in South Dakota can finally say they’re underway with the season.
On Saturday night, two of the top teams in Class 11AAA, Sioux Falls Roosevelt and Brandon Valley, met up, in what was one of the best games of the weekend. While the Rough Riders pulled out a narrow 23-21 victory over the Lynx, it was a moment before the game that also has people talking.
A few Roosevelt football players took a knee during the national anthem, following the trend being seen nationally, especially at the professional level.
A few Roosevelt players took a knee for the playing of the national anthem. Not sure how clear picture is, but trio in the middle had their arms locked together. #SDPreps pic.twitter.com/CNIXYL3A3p
— hank 🇰🇷 (@Brian_Haenchen) August 30, 2020
While a majority of the protesting during the national anthem is NOT being seen at the high school level, this also doesn’t exclude it. In a message to its member schools a few weeks back, SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos of the South Dakota High School Activities Association had this to say on the subject.
“The SDHSAA believes in both honor and respect for our flag and national anthem AND the rights that are provided to all citizens in the United States Constitution,” explained Swartos. “We all have different opinions on this matter, and the fact that we are allowed to both have those thoughts and openly share them is a testament to our country and those who protect and serve it.”
To simplify it, the high school activities association will not stop peaceful protesting during the national anthem at its events.
“Although we encourage everyone to stand and pay their respects during the national anthem, the first amendment protects the right to peacefully protest, including kneeling or sitting during its performance. The SDHSAA cannot disallow competitors, coaches, officials, or spectators from doing so," Swartos said.
Instead of the association creating a state-wide rule on the matter, they’re leaving policies on the matter up to the individual school districts in South Dakota.
The Sioux Falls School District echoed the comments made by the South Dakota High School Activities Association in a statement they released Monday afternoon, while also claiming that this provides an 'educational opportunity.'
"The Sioux Falls School District cannot disallow competitors, coaches, officials, or spectators from exercising these rights. We view this as an educational opportunity and have encouraged our coaches to have conversations with our students and staff in an attempt to make this a valuable learning experience for all involved." - Sioux Falls School District.
