A common refrain in the myriad comments about the Connell-Highland "flagrant foul" video was to call Cole Vanderbilt and Kennan VanHollebeke bullies.

But what is the line between physical play and dangerous play? And how do coaches and officials get kids to walk it?

While area coaches are wary about discussing specifics about the controversial Connell boys basketball game, they were quick to point out that physical play is a part of sports and is even encouraged by coaches.

"From a football perspective, it is a very physical game," said Richland High football coach Mike Neidhold. "We want kids to play to the whistle, but as soon as the whistle blows, you have to be able to turn it off and regroup. Then you have to turn the switch on and when you hear the whistle, turn it off."

When kids don't immediately turn the switch off, though, figuring out if they intended to harm someone isn't cut and dried.

"I think each situation is different," said Brian Meneely, Kamiakin High boys basketball coach. "It is really hard to judge intent. What you try to stress to kids is to compete, but understand to do it the right way."

Kamiakin High's Justin Pedley, a 6-foot-6 senior, said being physical is a way of life in varsity basketball.

"I think there is a line there," he said. "If you knock them down and help them up, you are playing physical, but if you push someone down and just walk off or spar or if you say words, that is when the line is crossed."

That balancing act can be tough in high school athletics, especially when dealing with 14- to 18-year-olds, coaches said.

"Sometimes, it gets really rough out there, and kids get really frustrated," said Tarah Staton, Kennewick High girls basketball coach. "You either call them over and calm them down or give them a break. It is about reading my players and knowing when I need to intervene."

At the beginning of each season, coaches typically hand out forms outlining expectations for each athlete. Those forms include behavior expectations on and off the athletic field.

Ultimately, though, how kids play and act on the court or field or rink comes from the coaches, referees and parents.

"I believe one of my charges as a head coach is to establish the culture of our football program," Neidhold said. "I think that is true of any team. It is our job to set the culture of that and not to play dirty. That is unacceptable."

While sportsmanship is one of the main objectives of high school athletics as set out by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and most athletics leagues, calling an athlete a bully for what they do in the sports arena isn't something coaches were willing to say.

"It is a hard thing, because in sports emotions run so high," Meneely said. "We're all trying to do what is best for the kids, and sometimes it doesn't work out great. Usually, though, no one is more sorry about situations that cross the line than kids are."