From the WIAA

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association is proud to announce the launch of the “Hear It? See It? Report It!” sportsmanship initiative, designed to make reporting inappropriate behavior at high school athletic events easier and more effective than ever before.

Over the past year, WIAA has actively listened to its members, student-athletes, coaches, parents, officials and members of the community. The Association has heard their concerns:  reporting unacceptable behavior at athletic events needs to be simpler, faster and more accessible. In response, WIAA is introducing a streamlined reporting system – accessible via QR code and online form – so anyone can quickly report incidents of harassment, unsportsmanlike conduct or other inappropriate behavior.

“Our members and constituents have spoken, and we are taking action,” Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. “Education-based athletics is an extension of the classroom, where respect and safety are paramount. This initiative empowers everyone – students, coaches, officials, parents and spectators – to help create a positive environment for all.

"We believe that every student-athlete deserves to compete in a climate of respect, free from threat, fear and harassment," she continued. "By making it easier to report concerns, we are strengthening our commitment to sportsmanship and working to ensure that Wisconsin high school education-based athletics are a welcoming space for all.”

The “Hear It? See It? Report It!” campaign encourages everyone in the Wisconsin education-based athletics community to speak up when they witness:

  • Harassment or hate speech based on race, gender, religion or personal characteristics

  • Profane, vulgar, insulting, or offensive language or gestures

  • Taunting or behavior designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others

  • Actions that create a hostile or intimidating environment

How to Report:
Incidents can be reported immediately to a coach, official, event manager or online using the QR code provided at events. For urgent safety concerns, contact event management or security directly.

Why It Matters:
Sportsmanship isn’t just about avoiding negativity—it’s about building a supportive environment where all student-athletes can thrive.

WIAA invites everyone to be a positive voice for sportsmanship.
For more information, visit wiaawi.org/schools/sportsmanship.

About the Author

Travis Wilson serves as the Bound Wisconsin Manager. Wilson was selected as part of the Sports 40 Under 40 list by Coach & AD Magazine and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for 2019. The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) named Travis the 2015 recipient of the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award. He currently serves on the WFCA Executive Board and is a member of the Executive Board of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. A graduate of Richland Center High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Travis was a three-sport athlete in high school (football, baseball, basketball), inducted to the Richland Center High School Hall of Fame in 2023, and currently resides in Reedsburg. You can follow him on Twitter at @travisBound or reach him at [email protected].

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