Enforcement of Section IX Spectator Code of Conduct

Washingtonville is proud to support its student-athletes and create a vibrant, safe and encouraging atmosphere for everyone. Let’s work together to model outstanding sportsmanship and show respect to all players, coaches, referees, pep band members and fellow fans.

With playoff season approaching, consistent enforcement is essential to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students, spectators and staff.

Section IX Athletics recognizes the importance of behavior and personal character in our student  athletes. As such, we ask our spectators to:

1. Demonstrate a high degree of sportsmanship.
2. Show team support by making only positive comments.
3. Show respect for the judgment of coaches, officials, and referees.
4. Acknowledge fields, courts and equipment as the player’s domain during contests.
5. Monitor the safety of children in the bleachers and stands.
6. Respect the law. All public schools and Section IX venues are smoke-free, substance free environment.
7. Athletic contests home, away or at a neutral site are an extension of the classroom.Therefore, all school rules are in effect.
8. Spectators will respect and obey all school officials, supervisors and site personnel at contests.
9. There will be no ringing of bells, sounding of horns, or other noise makers at indoor contests.
   1. * Outdoor use will be at the discretion of the site personnel.
   2. *This does not apply to spirit groups including school approved pep bands or cheerleaders.
10. The throwing of debris, confetti, or other objects from the stands is prohibited. Offending individuals will be asked to leave the premises.
11. Exceptions to this behavior will lead to ejection from the event.
12. All visitors, including students from other schools, must sit in the visitors' section. No visitor is permitted to sit in the student section.

NYSPHSAA Spectator Sportsmanship Policy

Spectator Policy at Athletic Contests:

1. Expectation Statement: Officials, just like student athletes and coaches, are critical to interscholastic sports programs. Without officials, NYSPHSAA and its member schools would not be able to provide interscholastic sports in the manner that is desired and expected by student athletes, coaches, and parents. Spectators are expected to “Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Positive.” Negative comments and inappropriate behaviors by spectators are required to be addressed by all and any school supervisors and administrators, as a member of NYSPHSAA. Spectators may be prohibited from attending current and future interscholastic contests based on their behavior.(Oct. 2022)
2. Spectator Regulation: Any negative, inappropriate, derogatory comments or actions that draw the direct attention of a supervisor or school administrator by a spectator or group of spectators are required to be addressed by the host school, Sectional or NYSPHSAA representative in the following non-sequential order depending on the comments or behavior:

• First warning: Directing the spectator or group of spectators to refrain from any negative comments or actions.
• Second warning: A personal discussion with the spectators or group of spectators on the above NYSPHSAA expectations and reminding the spectators or group of spectators of the next step, removal of the game or event, will be utilized if the behavior continues.
• Removal from the contest:The spectator or group of spectators will be directed to leave the facility for the remainder of the game or event. If spectators or group of spectators refuse to leave the game or event, play will be stopped until they vacate the premise.

Penalty for being removed from a game or event:

• Any spectator removed from a game or event will have a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential course or a one game suspension before they are allowed to attend any interscholastic event. Once the course is completed the spectator will provide a certificate of completion to the athletic department office. Schools are required to communicate with the offending spectator on the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Spectator Expectations.
• Depending on the severity of the behavior/comments or future disqualifications by the offending spectator NYSPHSAA and the Section may get directly involved in the situation.(May 2023)

NFHS Parent Credential Course Link: https://nfhslearn.com/courses/positive-sport-parenting