Minnesota State High School League bars Waseca hockey players from wearing jerseys honoring recovering officer
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High school hockey players in Waseca weren't able to wear game jerseys made in honor of a local police officer critically wounded in the line of duty.
The Waseca Bluejays wanted to wear jerseys with recovering officer Arik Matson's badge number on them Thursday night at the team's home game against Luverne.
However, in a tweet, the team stated the Minnesota State High School League told players the uniforms would violate its policy and wouldn't be allowed.
We have been notified by the MSHSL that these uniforms do not meet their policy for Special Recognitions, Commemorative or Memorial Patches. Waseca Boys/Girls will not be allowed to wear them for games. However we will continue to support Law Enforcement & Officer Matson.
— Waseca Boys Hockey (@Bluejaypuckboss) January 23, 2020
The Boys will be wearing these jerseys for WARMUPS ONLY. We are taking the ice for warmups at 6:00 tonight. Be there early if you want to catch a glimpse. #MatsonStrong #LawEnforcement
— Waseca Boys Hockey (@Bluejaypuckboss) January 23, 2020
?@WasecaBluejays? ?@FollowThePuck? ?@YouthHockeyHub? pic.twitter.com/AolvCeV4Zi
Some took to social media to express their disappointment in the league's decision.
The league issued the following statement Friday:
"The Minnesota State High School League and Waseca Public Schools deeply appreciate the involvement of the Waseca community, its boys and girls hockey programs and other athletic programs in honoring and supporting Officer Matson and the Waseca Police Department. The MSHSL and Waseca High School administration have been in communication this past week in identifying ways in which appropriate recognition can be demonstrated. This includes following the National Federation of High Schools uniform rules and policies which limits the size of alterations to commemorate individuals or events within competition.
[courtesy of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, Facebook]
"Waseca also appreciates the support and creativity of Gemini Athletic in supplying commemorative jerseys for this important endeavor. The MSHSL will continue to work with all member schools and support them in ways to honor and commemorate individuals in their communities."