• Sportsmanship

    It's Everyone's Responsibility

    Coaches

    • Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral and ethical behavior.
    • Instruct participants on proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make sportsmanship the No. 1 priority.
    • Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by the rules of the event, and display no behavior that could incite fans.
    • Treat opposing coaches, participants, and fans with respect. Shake hands with officials and the opposing coach.
    • Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards.

    Participants

    • Treat opponents with respect. Shake hands prior to and after contests. Do not embarrass, demean, taunt, or intimidate your opponent with ridiculing motions, finger pointing, or trash-talking.
    • Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by the rules of the event, and display no behavior that could incite fans.
    • Cooperate with officials, coaches, and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest.
    • Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and community; display positive public actions at all times.
    • Live up to the high standard of sportsmanship established by the coach.

    Spirit Groups

    • Stimulate the desired crowd response using only positive cheers, signs, and praise without antagonizing or demeaning opponents.
    • Treat opposing spirit groups and fans with respect.
    • Recognize outstanding performances on either side of the playing field or court.
    • Know the rules and strategies of the contest in order to cheer at the proper times.
    • Maintain enthusiasm and composure; serve as a role model.

    Officials

    • Accept the role in an unassuming manner. Showboating and over officiating are not acceptable.
    • Maintain confidence and poise, controlling the contest from start to finish.
    • Know the rules thoroughly and abide by the established code of ethics.
    • Shake hands with the coaches of both teams before the contest.
    • Never exhibit emotions or argue with participants and coaches when enforcing rules.

    School Administrators

    • Develop a program for teaching and promoting the ideals and fundamentals of good sportsmanship within the school, the league/conference, and state.
    • Provide appropriate supervisory personnel for each interscholastic event.
    • Support participants, coaches, and fans who teach and display good sportsmanship.
    • Recognize exemplary behavior and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coaches, and fans.
    • Attend events whenever possible.

    Parents, Other Fans

    • Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support high school activities, not a license to verbally assault others or be generally obnoxious.
    • Respect decisions made by contest officials.
    • Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every way possible, including the content of cheers and signs.
    • Applaud during the introduction of players, coaches, and officials.
    • Recognize players’ performance with applause, regardless of team.
    • Do not blame the loss of the game on officials, coaches, or participants.
    • Do not use profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game.
    • Show concern for an injured player, regardless of team.
    • Encourage surrounding fans to display only sportsmanlike behavior and respect all fans, coaches, and participants.
    • Treat competition as just a game.
    • Be a fan, not a fanatic.