SPORTSMANSHIP

It’s Everyone’s Responsibility

Coaches

• Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow, exemplifying the highest moral andethical behavior.
• Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship responsibilities and demand that they make sportsmanship the No. 1 priority.
• Respect judgment ofcontest officials, abide by rules of the event and display no behavior thatcould incite fans.
• Treat opposing coaches, participants and fans with respect. Shake hands with officials and theopposing 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 judgment of contest officials, abide by 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 school and community; display positive public actions at all times.
• Live up to the high standard ofsportsmanship established by the coach.

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 rolemodel by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including content of cheers and signs.
• Applaud during 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 asjust a game.
• Be a fan, not a fanatic.

Spirit Groups

• Stimulate 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 rules and strategies of the contest in order to cheer at proper times.
• Maintain enthusiasm and composure; serve as a role model.

Officials

• Accept role in anunassuming manner. Showboating and over officiating are not acceptable.
• Maintain confidence and poise, controlling contest from start to finish.
• Know rules thoroughly and abide by established code of ethics.
• Shake hands with coaches of both teams before 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 that teach and display good sportsmanship.
• Recognize exemplary behavior and actively discourage undesirable conduct by participants, coachesand fans.
• Attend events whenever possible.