NFHS Learning Center - Implicit Bias

Free Online Training

In order to gain a better understanding of actions, language and behavior which can be interpreted as discriminatory in nature and to confirm their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, it is recommended that all student athletes, coaches and athletic directors take the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) free online course entitled Implicit Bias and take the MIAA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge. It is recommended that School administrators (coaches and athletic directors) take the course and pledge every school year, prior to the start of the academic year. It is recommended that Student-athletes take the course and pledge every year as well, and they should do so prior to the start of their athletic season.

To access the free course you first need to create an account through NFSH and then order it.

It is recommended that all athletes print, sign, and hand in the MIAA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge to their coach.

Description: Implicit biases are the automatic reactions we have toward other people based on our past learning and expectations. Studies show that Implicit Bias affects the experiences of students in school athletic and activity programs. The NFHS has partnered with Project Implicit to bring you this course, Implicit Bias. Studies support that there is a relationship between implicit bias and real-world behavior, which highlights the importance of being aware of and managing your bias. This course defines and illustrates examples of Implicit Bias and provides research on how it impacts our society.

The MIAA is committed to promoting fair competition and good sportsmanship in an environment free of discrimination, harassment/bullying and/or retaliation for all student athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators and others. Discrimination, harassment/bullying and/or retaliation occurs when intimidating, hostile, offensive or derogatory conduct is based directly or indirectly on race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law or the filing or support of any complaint of discrimination or harassment/bullying. Discrimination, harassment/bullying, and/or retaliation is strictly prohibited and is considered unsportsmanlike conduct. 

Inappropriate action, language and/or conduct includes verbal or physical actions, including any writing or social media posting, which offends, denigrates or belittles any person because of or due to any protected characteristics described above. Such conduct includes slurs, insults, signage, pictures, chants, gestures, jokes, comments, innuendoes, use of racial epithets, name calling, or offensive references to an individual, or any other behavior that creates an environment that is intimidating, hostile or offensive to anyone.

Any student athlete, coach, official, administrator, spectator or other person at a contest or practice who engage in or use discriminatory/harassing/bullying actions, language or behavior or who is in possession or of such signage or props must be addressed, removed from the facility or playing area and reported on MIAA Discriminatory Incident Reporting Form. Any retaliation for filing a report of a violation of this policy is strictly prohibited.