Some do it to motivate themselves. Some do it to get into their opponent's head.
Either way, the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association says it needs to stop.
That's trash-talk, of course, and it happens often on the field or court of play.
The NJSIAA announced it would enforce new rules governing harassment related to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and religion during athletic contests earlier this month.
From now on, all incidents will be reported to the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights, which may then investigate the incident.
Additional penalties may be immediately assessed, according to a release issued by the NJSIAA.
So, Patch readers, we want to hear from you. Has trash-talking in scholastic sports become such a problem that intervention is necessary? Or is the NJSIAA making something out of nothing?
Let us know in the comments section!
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