Commentary: In support of snitches exposing cheaters in high school sports

February 27, 2026 - 02:41

The competitive world of high school sports is facing a quiet crisis of ethics, where a troubling pattern of rule-breaking by adults threatens the very foundation of fair play. From parents falsifying residency documents to coaches manipulating eligibility rules, these violations undermine the spirit of competition and teach young athletes the wrong lessons.

In this environment, the act of reporting misconduct—often disparaged as "snitching"—is actually a courageous stand for integrity. When individuals within a school community witness cheating, stepping forward becomes a necessary duty. These whistleblowers are not troublemakers; they are guardians of the sport's core values, ensuring that victories are earned honestly and that all students compete on a level field.

Silence in the face of known cheating condones the behavior and perpetuates an unfair system. The responsibility to uphold the rules should not fall solely on overburdened athletic directors or state associations. It requires a collective ethical commitment from everyone involved. Protecting the sanctity of high school sports means supporting those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing, ensuring that the focus remains on sportsmanship, effort, and true athletic achievement for all students.