Mallard Creek Disqualified in Relay Over Celebration Rule at NCHSAA 8A Meet

A high school track and field state championship was decided by a disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct Saturday, sparking a widespread debate over the enforcement of celebration rules. The Mallard Creek boys 4x400-meter relay team, appearing to win the final event at the NCHSAA 8A Outdoor Track & Field State Championships in Greensboro, was disqualified after anchor runner Nyan Brown raised his hand before crossing the finish line.

The disqualification cost Mallard Creek the 10 points for a relay victory, which would have secured the team title. Instead, the school finished second with 72 points, while Jordan High School won the boys championship with 74 points. Officials cited a violation of NFHS Rule 4-6-1, which governs unsportsmanlike conduct and taunting.

According to meet officials, Brown had received a warning earlier in the day for a celebration after he set a new North Carolina state record in the 300-meter hurdles. They stated that the gesture during the relay—holding up five fingers to signify what would have been the school’s fifth consecutive state championship across indoor and outdoor seasons—constituted a second infraction and warranted disqualification.