God Gesture Disqualifies Team At Columbus High School Track Meet

God Gesture Gets Regional Championship Stripped Away in Seconds

The Columbus High School boys four-man 100 meter relay team had just crossed the finish line capturing the regional championship with a guaranteed spot in the state finals when team member Derrick Hayes pointed his finger straight up in the air – a gesture Christians make to attribute good fortune to God.

Apparently, a judge with the University Interscholastic League (UIL) found the gesture in violation of the “taunting rule” which does not allow any physical gestures on the field of competition. The team was immediately disqualified.

Neither Hayes nor officials at the local school found that gesture to be inappropriate, but that has not swayed the UIL. Officials at the high school have taken a lot of criticism from local residents but pointed out the decision wasn’t theirs to make; it rests solely with the UIL.

In actuality, the school petitioned the organization to reverse their decision, but they have refused.

The school superintendent believes the disqualification is severe for something that he deems as being of little to no consequence.

KHOU reports O’Connor, said: “I don’t think that the situation was technically a terrible scenario as far as his action, but the action did violate the context of the rule.”

Speaking to KeyeTV, Derrick’s disappointed Dad said: “You cross a finish line and you’ve accomplished a goal and within seconds it’s gone. To see four kids, you know, what does that tell them about the rest of their lives? You’re going to do what’s right, work extra hard, and have it ripped away from you?”

Some rightfully point out that they see no instructional value in the UIL’s decision. As it stands, the hard work the boys put into preparing for the competition was for naught.

On The Web:

High school track team disqualified for making religious gesture
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/22148067/2013/05/02/high-school-track-team-disqualified-for-making-relious

Track team disqualified after Derrick Hayes gestures to thank God
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/349487