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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