BAUMAN: Apology - and a pledge

I am saddened that last Friday night's boys' basketball game between Coeur d'Alene High School and Post Fall High School will be remembered for poor judgment by a spirited crowd of students and inadequate adult supervision. I am encouraged, though, by the thoughtful community dialogue of what constitutes good sportsmanship that has emerged over the past few days. 

CHS is a better school than Friday night's snapshot of behavior. As the Superintendent of the Coeur d'Alene School District I apologize to the players, students, parents and administrators of Post Falls High School. We did not create an atmosphere of respect and positive competition - period. There are no excuses, only actions we must take to reestablish goodwill between our schools.

On Sunday, our principal and athletic director met with their counterparts in Post Falls to begin mending fences. This week we are emphasizing with our staff, students and parents our commitment to the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) Sportsmanship philosophy. We are outlining the rules on signage, attire and inappropriate behavior. We have set up a system of accountability for game and crowd management so our administrators are not spread too thin.

Our student leadership at CHS will travel to Post Falls within the coming weeks to sit down with Post Falls student leaders to better foster positive spirit. We gave our word as a school to abide by a code of sportsmanship conduct and we must encourage growth in sportsmanship at all levels and at all times - before, during and after athletic competition.

In displaying respect for our opponents, we display respect for ourselves. I hope lessons learned in the gymnasium will carry over to all aspects of our lives, whether high school or adult.

HAZEL BAUMAN

Superintendent

Coeur d'Alene Schools