SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
● Remember that you are at a contest to support and cheer for your team and to enjoy the skill and competition, not to intimidate or ridicule the other team and its fans.
● Remember that interscholastic athletics are a learning experience for students and that mistakes are sometimes made. Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people, just as you would praise a student working in the classroom.
● Remember that a ticket is a privilege to observe the contest; it is not a license to verbally assault others and be generally obnoxious.
●Learn the rules of the game so that you may understand and appreciate and support groups. Treat them as you would treat a guest in your own home.
● Respect the integrity and judgment of contest officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the student-athlete and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
● Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
● Refrain from the use of any controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc.) before, during and after contests, on or near the site of the event (e.g., tailgating).
● Use only those cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
● Recognize and compliment school and athletic administrators for their efforts in emphasizing the educational benefits of interscholastic athletics and the role of good sportsmanship.
● Be a positive role model through your own actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is unbecoming.
Behavior Standards:
As specified by the National Federation and State High School Association
Acceptable Behavior
● Applause during introductions of players, coaches and officials.
● Players shaking hands with opponent who fouls out while both sets of fans recognize player's performance with applause.
● Accept all decisions of officials
● Cheerleaders lead fans in positive school yells in positive manner.
● Handshakes between participants and coaches at the end of contest, regardless of outcome.
● Treat competition as a game, not a war.
● Coaches/players search out opposing participants to recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching.
● Applause at end of contest for performances of all participants
● Everyone showing concern for injured players regardless of tea.
● Encourage surrounding people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.
Unacceptable Behavior
●.Yelling or waving arms during an opponent's free-throw attempt.
● Disrespectful or derogatory yelling, chants, songs or gestures.
● Booing or heckling an official’s decision.
● Criticizing officials in any way; displays of temper with an official call.
● Yells that antagonize opponents.
● Refusing to shake hands or give recognition for good performances.
● Blaming loss of game on officials, coaches or participants.
● Laughing or name-calling to distract an opponent.
● Use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game.
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