Spectator Responsibilities
Spectators are expected to...
- “Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Positive.”
- Negative comments and inappropriate behavior by spectators will be addressed. Spectators may be prohibited from attending current and future interscholastic contests based on their behavior.
- Respect Officials
- 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.
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Learn the rules of the game so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
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Remember that you are at a high school or middle school contest to support and yell for your team and to enjoy the skill and competition; not to intimidate or ridicule the other team, or its fans.
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Respect the school property and authority of school officials.
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Avoid profane language, disrespectful gestures, or obnoxious behavior.
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Censure fellow spectators whose behavior is unbecoming.
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Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach.
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Show respect for an injured player when they are removed from a contest.
Please remember...
1) 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 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 groups of spectators refuse to leave the game or event, play will be stopped until they vacate the premises.
- 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.
- 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.
2) Use of derogatory or racially explicit language; discriminatory harassment or bias conduct that creates a hostile environment that is disruptive to the educational environment is strictly prohibited. Spectators shall not be permitted to use vulgar/offensive or racially/culturally insensitive language or engage in any racially/culturally insensitive action.
3) 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. NYSPHSAA Sections may sanction, censure or place schools on probation that fail to address derogatory or inappropriate behavior deemed harmful to physical or mental well-being for those involved in interscholastic activities. (July 2023)