Excessive Celebration Banned: Korean High School Baseball Faces Controversy Over 'Starbucks Cheer'

A recent incident at the 81st Qinglongqi National High School Baseball Championship in South Korea has sparked debate about sportsmanship and the educational role of athletics. Players from Baejae High School reportedly used a 'Starbucks cheer' and other taunts against their opponents from Gwangju Jeil High School, drawing criticism and prompting an official protest.

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Student baseball is a form of education... and does not tolerate any form of discrimination.

This event stands in stark contrast to the principles governing Japanese high school baseball, as outlined in the 'Japanese Student Baseball Charter.' Article 2 of the charter emphasizes that student baseball is a form of education, explicitly forbidding any form of discrimination. The charter's primary objective is to cultivate individuals capable of forming a peaceful and democratic society.

Even in Japan's highly popular national high school baseball tournaments, known as Koshien, strict adherence to etiquette and respect for opponents is demanded. Operational guidelines caution against actions such as spitting, discarding water on the field, excessive celebratory 'katsu poses,' or overly enthusiastic greetings for batters who hit home runs. These rules are in place to teach young athletes proper conduct and respect.

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The goal is to cultivate talent capable of forming a peaceful and democratic society.

Taunting and verbal abuse are particularly prohibited. Umpires are instructed to caution coaches and teachers if players exhibit unsportsmanlike behavior or improper attire. In one instance during the 2023 spring invitational tournament, a Tohoku High School player was warned for mimicking a 'pepper grinding' celebration after reaching base on an error. While some online discussions questioned the strictness of the rules, the high school baseball federation maintained that student athletes should find joy in the game itself rather than through excessive displays.

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We hope that student athletes find joy through the play itself, not through performances.

Similarly, in the 2018 summer Koshien, a pitcher from Soshigakuen High School was cautioned against excessive 'katsu poses' after striking out batters. Despite ongoing debates about the strict control over emotional expression, the Japanese High School Baseball Federation remains firm on its principle that 'student baseball is education.' The Baejae High School incident in Korea highlights concerns about the spread of extreme ideologies and mockery within student sports, underscoring the need to prevent such behavior in educational settings.

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Student baseball cannot exist if students forget they are students.