Ejections on the Rise in North Carolina High School Sports – NCHSAA Eyes Tougher Penalties
The number of student-athlete ejections in North Carolina high school sports has surged past 1,000 this school year, sparking concern among state athletic officials and prompting renewed calls for tougher penalties to address what many see as a growing sportsmanship crisis.
During a recent meeting of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Board of Directors, Commissioner Que Tucker and several board members voiced frustration over the increase in on-field incidents. As of this week, there have been 1,030 ejections—up from 877 last year, marking a concerning 17.4% rise.
“I think we would all agree that is way too high,” said Bryan Tyson, chair of the Review & Officiating Committee. “It may be time to revisit the severity of penalties, particularly around issues like fighting and profanity.”
According to NCHSAA data, nearly one-third of this year’s ejections—314 in total—stemmed from fights. That figure has doubled since the 2021–2022 school year and continues to climb. Ejections for profanity also jumped to 322 this year, up from 263 last year, while incidents of players leaving the bench area quadrupled from two years ago.
For Commissioner Tucker and NCHSAA President Dr. Stephen Gainey, the numbers are more than alarming—they’re dangerous.
“I’m growing more and more concerned that somebody’s going to get hurt,” Gainey said. “We need to turn this trend around. It’s unbelievable, the number of ejections.”
For the first time ever, the association even received ejection reports from track and field events, including fights among spectators and athletes.
“(Dr. Gainey) is right—someone could get seriously injured,” Tucker warned. “We may need to revisit the discussion with the State Board of Education about making penalties tougher.”
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Softer Penalties, Rising Ejections
One of the major shifts in recent years has been the reduced authority of the NCHSAA to enforce strict penalties. Due to legislative changes, the power to set rules and collect fines now lies with the State Board of Education.
Currently, a first-time ejection—regardless of the offense—results in only a one-game suspension. A second leads to two games, and a third results in a year-long ban. These rules apply across all sports and seasons, though school districts are allowed to impose additional sanctions.
Several board members suggested that the lighter consequences are contributing to the rise in poor behavior.
“We need to look at strengthening the consequences a bit,” Gainey said. “We’re not pointing fingers, but the fact remains—we have a problem, and it’s getting worse.”
While policy change may be necessary, Gainey emphasized that deeper cultural issues within school sports programs also need addressing.
“It’s about what’s happening on the bench, in the dugout, and on the sidelines,” he said. “I’m seeing sportsmanship issues on the field and in the stands. These are special opportunities for our kids, and if we don’t get this under control, some of those opportunities might be lost.”
Where the Problems Are
Of the 993 ejections recorded prior to the board meeting, 915 involved student-athletes. Varsity boys’ soccer led the way with 249 ejections, followed by varsity football with 181 and varsity boys’ basketball with 153. No other sport surpassed 100.
One piece of encouraging news: coach ejections have declined for the second year in a row. Only 78 coaches were ejected this year, down from 90 last year and 113 in 2022–2023.
Still, the overall rise in student-athlete ejections continues to cast a shadow over North Carolina’s high school sports landscape.
“We’re letting these issues overshadow all the good that high school athletics can offer,” Gainey said. “There are kids who dream of competing in these events, and we can’t let bad behavior ruin that for them.”
As the NCHSAA looks ahead, officials say they’re committed to prioritizing sportsmanship, working with schools and the State Board of Education to explore policy changes, and restoring the integrity of the games.
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