Savage Words: Storming the courts has become a safety concern, and that’s too bad

The South Dakota High School Activities Association recently passed a new, revised policy to keep fans from rushing the court or field following a win at the end of a playoff or a championship contest.

I get it, I guess.

SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos cited a safety risk.

I get that, too, I guess.

But how boring, how vanilla, how…uninspiring.

I’m probably wrong here. In fact, I’m certain of it, but is this what it’s come to in our current society? So soft, so boring, so I dunno…scripted to following march-in-line protocols?

Imagine a Brandon Valley buzzer-beater this March at the state tournament in Rapid City where the Lynx win a state title on a long three-pointer. The place has been a buzz for 90 minutes, with players, coaches and fans at a fevered pitch with emotions at their peak. The unthinkable happens when the Lynx win the title on a prayer as the buzzer sounds when the ball drains the net.

And then, a golf clap.

“We want to keep the focus on the kids on the court,” Swartos said during a SDHSAA board meeting on Jan. 21.

I get that, too, I guess. There’s no doubt liability issues that school districts and the state have in mind. My guess is BV’s Activities Director Bill Freking holds his breath more than once during tight Lynx games, making sure no one is doing anything stupid during or after games.

When Caitlin Clark was a senior at Iowa, she got hit and fell to the floor after losing to Ohio State by a fan in Columbus. She was unhurt, but still, that video is jarring.

No doubt there are probably injuries at some massive sporting events around the country. When an SEC football game ends with a last-second field goal, there’s likely some twisted ankles, strained knees, and a bruised ego or two when people by the thousands storm the field.

In 2024 when Vanderbilt beat No. 1 Alabama in college football, the fans not only stormed the field, they tore down the goal post, paraded it through Nashville down Broadway Street, and eventually dumped it into the Cumberland River. 

OK, that’s a bit much. But at the same time, what an unforgettable experience for those players, coaches and fans. Granted, the win alone should be enough, but can you imagine the stories that came from those who were in the middle of that scrum?

I’m not suggesting fans go so far as tearing down a goal post and dumping into Splitrock Creek, or the Big Sioux River. But to just sit there, admire the awards ceremony after your team wins at the buzzer, is just so anticlimactic. 

In 1987 as a senior at Sioux Falls Lincoln, we won a first-round tournament game in the boys state basketball tournament. I wasn’t good enough to play for the Patriots, but I had several buddies who were. When they hit a buzzer beater to advance to the state semifinals, we stormed the court at the Sioux Falls Arena. Thirty-nine years later, and I still remember that moment vividly.

This year, should there be a buzzer beater at the state tournament, the seniors in the stands can go to the concession stand and order another popcorn, put their feet up in the stands, and read the stats from the game on their phone before they’re allowed on the floor.

I’m not trying to be an adversary to the SDHSAA. I totally get why they’re doing what they’re doing. But, again, how boring. It’s just too bad we’re all humans, with all these emotions and stuff that can turn a civilized celebration into something that could be dangerous.

And moving forward, the SDHSAA isn’t taking this lightly. They’re enforcing it in a fairly strict fashion. The new policy states that “fans that rush the court or field will be removed from the facility immediately. Physical altercations will be referred to security or law enforcement.”

Damn.

So, Brandon Valley fans, should the Lynx win a state title next month, mind your Ps and Qs, and be on your best behavior.

I better not be seeing the winning net floating down the Cheyenne River.