NFHS, Hawaii Association Develop Joint Resolution Denouncing Physical Attack of Administrator at Recent Event

In response to the horrific act of violence that occurred in Hawaii last month following a high school basketball game, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) have developed a joint resolution in support of the athletic administrator who was physically attacked and to affirm the organizations’ commitment to safety and sportsmanship.

On December 4, Natalie Iwamoto, a former administrator with the HHSAA and currently the associate athletic director at Moanalua High School in Honolulu, was assaulted by a parent – punched in the face and left on the ground unconscious – as she was escorting officials to their cars after a heated basketball game.

“Violence has no place at high school sporting events, and this resolution makes it very clear that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in education-based high school sports,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS. “Administrators, like Natalie, as well as the thousands of men and women who give of their time to officiate high school sports, should never be threatened during the course of doing their jobs. We must continue to prioritize good sportsmanship in education-based high school activity programs.”

“The Hawaii High School Athletic Association stands united with the NFHS in denouncing this deplorable act of violence against Natalie Iwamoto, who has been a top contributor to high school sports in Hawaii for many years,” said Chris Chun, HHSAA executive director. “We will move forward with even more resolve to ensure that high school sports are conducted in safe environments for the benefit of our officials, student-athletes and everyone involved.”  

Following is the resolution adopted by the NFHS and the HHSAA:

WHEREAS, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) are committed to promoting education-based interscholastic athletics founded on respect, sportsmanship, and the safety of all participants, officials, staff and administrators; and

WHEREAS, Natalie Iwamoto, a former employee of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association and current assistant athletic director at a high school in Honolulu, has served high school athletics with professionalism and dedication; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Iwamoto was the victim of a physical attack by a spectator following a high school basketball contest this past December, an act that stands in direct opposition to the core values of interscholastic athletics; and

WHEREAS, violence or intimidation directed toward athletic administrators, officials or staff is unacceptable and threatens the integrity and educational mission of high school sports; and

WHEREAS, such conduct undermines efforts to create safe, respectful environments for student-athletes, families and school communities nationwide;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NFHS Board of Directors unequivocally condemns the assault committed against Natalie Iwamoto and denounces all acts of violence or harassment toward individuals involved in the administration and conduct of high school athletic events; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NFHS Board of Directors expresses its strong support AND ADMIRATION for Ms. Iwamoto; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NFHS and HHSAA reaffirm their unwavering commitment to sportsmanship, respect and safety at all interscholastic events, and urge all member state associations and schools to enforce policies that address spectator misconduct swiftly and decisively; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be shared with NFHS member state associations as a statement of support for Natalie Iwamoto and as a clear declaration that violence has no place in education-based athletics.