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.
