Fans Code of Conduct

Parents, Students and Fans are Good Sports (PDF)

In order for the school sports program to continue to be an educational tool, fans (spectators), like other groups, need to be cognizant of the necessity for good sportsmanship and the means by which it is attained. In recent years many sports fans have lost perspective and have associated the collegiate and professional sports with that of high school programs. Consequently, some problem areas not associated with an educational program have cropped up.

All fans viewing high school sports should:

Show respect for the opponent at all times. The opponent should be treated as a guest, greeted cordially on arriving, given the best accommodations and accorded the tolerance, honesty and generosity which all human beings deserve. Good sportsmanship and hospitality are the Golden Rule in action.
Show respect for the officials. Officials should be recognized as impartial arbitrators who are trained to do their job and who can be expected to do it to the best of their ability. Good sportsmanship implies the willingness to accept and abide by the decision of the officials.
Know, understand and appreciate the rules of the contest. A familiarity with the current rules of the game in recognition of their necessity for a fair contest is essential. Good sportsmanship suggests the importance of conforming to the spirit as well as the letter of the rules.
Maintain self-control at all times. A prerequisite of good sportsmanship requires one to understand his own bias or prejudice and to have the ability to recognize that rational behavior is more important than the desire to win. A proper perspective must be maintained if the potential educational values of athletic competition are to be realized. Good sportsmanship is concerned with the behavior of all involved in the game.
Recognize and appreciate skill and performance regardless of affiliation. Applause for an opponent's good performance is a demonstration of generosity and good will that should not be looked upon as treason. The ability to recognize and acknowledge quality performance without regard to team membership is one of the most highly commendable gestures of good sportsmanship.