My concern with the organization is that of MSHSAA game officials. Throughout the 2021 basketball season I have watched referee officials ignore calls, allow physical contact to the degree of a player shoved so hard to the floor (after the whistle) that the impact resulted in two breaks to the arm and a concussion. The official DID NOT see the contact. The offender was not ejected from the game. The same offender continued the same degree of physical unsportsmanlike conduct throughout the game without a foul call. This same behavior occurred on 3/12/2021 in Independence throughout the 6:00 pm game Mexico vs. VanHorn. The officials conversed with the players and coaches of VanHorn in joking and laughter before and during the game as every violation committed by VanHorn was overlooked. At one point, the officials created calls that were unexplainable against Mexico. VanHorn player, #11 repeatedly fouled, traveled, and argued with officials yet remained in the game and received no other foul calls after the fourth one. A player was elbowed and knocked to the floor (no call) unable to get up. The play was NEVER stopped! As VanHorn raced down the court committing foul after foul along the way, the official directed the Mexico Coach to go sit down. AFTER the VanHorn score, that same official excitedly threw up his hand to rule the basketball as good! He didn’t check on the player that was down—-nothing! This poor officiating continued throughout the regular play and the OT. The calls were horrible and it was obvious that the officials had complete control of the outcome of the game. MSHSAA records each game. Review this event. The officials controlled who would go on to the next round. When a player stands in the middle of the basketball court cussing an official referee and being restrained by teammates to stop physical aggression against the referee (and NO EVICTION from the game), you know the game was rigged. At one point, one official referee overruled a call by another (it was unbelievable but a reality) and after their discussion, the challenge was accepted. The poor calls continued throughout the game. Either referee training needs to be improved PRIOR to releasing them into the workforce or perhaps there are just some referees that don’t play by the rules. Were the official referees receiving money to ensure that VanHorn advanced to the final… watch the film.

The decision to not reverse a call regarding Connor Lair, West Plains Football, goes against everything you say you stand for. You saw the film of him being assaulted by the coach from Bolivar but you still did not reverse the call. Shame on you for doing the exact opposite of what you say you expect from athletes, coaches and refs. I dont understand why the refs cannot be fair and set a good example for all athletes. Again, shame on you.

Right now I am not to impressed with this organization. I think they should take each case on a case by case. None are cut and dry and have extenuating circumstances. They denied my grandson according to their guidelines.....it needs to be more than that. They said they were for the kids place he might take even though he wont be pushing anyone out. My grandson is a very caring individual, has good grades, and is never in trouble. This is a small school and he just wanted to fit in and make friends.

Great staff