The Division III Fan Sportsmanship Program states that, “In a unified effort to promote respect for student-athletes, coaches and officials in intercollegiate athletics, the Division III Commissioners Association encourages all institution and conferences to pledge their commitment to our campaign to build positive spirit in the stands throughout Division III. The more who join, the stronger our impact will be.”
Over the past several months, fan heckling has appeared to grow out of control. Fans are attending games and “heckling” players, officials and coaches personally. Rude and obnoxious comments are made, and people are getting tired of it.
“I think it’s great students are involved as fans,” said Kent Cherrington, the Sports Information Director, “I just don’t like it when it gets obnoxious.”
In an attempt to lessen the amount of heckling, the entire Athletic Department has worked together and come to an agreement to remove players’ numbers from the programs that are issued to fans during the games. On the back, the programs remind students of the Division III Fan Sportsmanship Program, which includes: cheer for your team, not against the visitor, don’t get personal about players, coaches and officials and no profane, vulgar, racist or sexist comments.
“This is a national issue, it’s being discussed regularly,” said John Clark, the Athletic Director this year. “We’ve never had an issue with hit here, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned about it.”
The Division III Fan Sportsmanship Program focuses on three key areas: fan education, game management policy and policy enforcement. The program enforces that participating schools adopt aspects from each educational program listed in order to successfully promote fan sportsmanship.
“It is not appropriate or acceptable to heckle or get into a player’s personal space,” said Clark.
The program offers tips, statements and other policies towards the efficient filtering of bad sportsmanship like conduct. Coaches, officials and players are taught about fan education and letters are sent home to families of student athletes explaining the rules of the sportsmanship program. Tips are given about consequences concerning bad sportsmanship, such as: involvement of security, the president and student affairs. University Police and other security measures are also enforced in the program to ensure that policies are being followed.
In the Little East Conference Championships, several university police officers were present to maintain order within the large group that stayed to cheer on their respective teams.
“When our fans say inappropriate things, it reflects poorly on the institution,” said Cherrington.
Remember, be careful what you say when you attend another game on campus. As the sportsmanship program states: “Be loud, be proud, be positive.”