Have rules in high school sports spoiled the fun?

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - School athletes are aware that breaking the rules comes with a price, but some are frustrated that the list of rules is going too far.

In past year, the state of Massachusetts has seen hazing scandals at two schools. The rules were broken, and the students certainly paid the price.

Although some incidents are deserving of punishment, many student athletes are wondering where the harmless fun in sports has gone?

The touchdown run at the Div. I High School Superbowl cost Cathedral High School the title all because the athlete put his finger in the air to celebrate. The act was ruled excessive celebration, and the touchdown was called back.

And students are not the only ones ruining sports.

A parent pointed a laser pointer at opposing team's goalie during a girls' hockey game. However, what might be more shocking is that there is actually a rule in place that bans laser pointers at games.

Incidents like these have discouraged some kids from participating in sports.

A new survey conducted by i9 Sports, found that most children, ages 8-14, wanted to quit playing sports.

It found that 47 percent of those wanted to quit because "it wasn't any fun," and 29 percent of the kids decided not to play because some of their teammates were mean. Twenty-three percent of kids cited too many practices as the reason they chose not to participate.

When it comes to the rules of sports at the high school level, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is the governing body creating and enforcing the rules.

While the rules promote safety and sportsmanship, the latest proposal brought up at the MIAA's annual meeting would allow high school coaches unlimited contact with their players in the offseason which could jeopardize family vacations, summer jobs, and just time off to be a kid.

Though the proposal was ultimately voted down, the issue came was brough up by some coaches because kids are playing sports year round.

In the end, the issue at hand is striking a balance that will keep the athletes safe while not losing touch with the reason they play in the first place.

Cox Media Group