Discriminatory Incident Process

The MIAA Sportsmanship and DEI committees proposed policies and procedures regarding Discriminatory Incident Reporting. This process begins with educating all those involved in interscholastic athletics by taking the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) course on Implicit Bias and by taking a pledge to promote adherence to behaviors that support diversity, equity and inclusion. As a part of the implementation of this Pilot proposal, all MIAA member schools must include information about the Discriminatory Incident Reporting policy in preseason meetings and/or during the athletic registration process.

Incidents that are confirmed to have occurred by member schools will be reported to the MIAA via an MIAA Discriminatory Incident Reporting Form. Following this submission, school findings and steps to address the incident will be provided. Once received members of the Sportsmanship and DEI committees will review all reports and determine if a hearing is necessary. MIAA representatives will send follow up communication and next steps to the member schools. This hearing committee may implement further guidance and/or consequences.

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The ultimate objective of this initiative is to promote a genuine respect for ALL human beings and to eradicate incidents of hate and disrespect from interscholastic athletics. When behaviors occur within our member schools that must be addressed, the sanctioning of an offender is coupled with just treatment, and restoring feelings of well-being and self-respect in all parties.  

Changing behavior and the practice of restorative justice is the hope of this process with the understanding that participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege and the proposed sanctions serve as only a minimum standard.