Spectator Information
Guidelines for Behavior
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:35 (NIV)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 as you would praise a student working in the classroom.
- A ticket is a privilege to observe the Contest, not a license to verbally assault others and be generally obnoxious.
- Learn the rules of the Contest so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
- Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators, 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, and during Contests, and afterwards on or near the site of the Contest (i.e. 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 to that end.
- Be a positive role model through your own actions and by censuring.
Acceptable Behaviors
- Applause during introduction of players, coaches, and Contest officials.
- Accept all decisions of Contest officials.
- Cheerleaders lead fans in cheers in a positive manner.
- Handshakes between participants and coaches at end of Contest, regardless of outcome.
- Treat competition as a Contest, not a war.
- Coaches/players search out opposing participants to recognize them for outstanding performance or coaching.
- Applause at the end of a Contest for performances by all participants.
- Everyone showing concern for an injured player, regardless of Team.
- Encouraging surrounding people to display only sportsmanlike conduct.
Unacceptable Behaviors
- Disrespectful or derogatory cheers, chants, songs, or gestures.
- Criticizing Contest officials in any way.
- Cheers that antagonize an opponent.
- Refusing to shake hands or give recognition of good performances.
- Blaming a loss on Contest officials, coaches, or participants.
- Laughing or name-calling to distract an opponent.
- Use of profanity or displays of anger.
- Doing own cheers instead of following the lead of cheerleaders.
- Wearing extreme of unusual clothing or excessive body paint that detracts from the Contest.
Courtesy of www.piaa.org