With the peak of District Basketball season and Playoffs upon us, it is appropriate for each of us to be reminded of a few of the basic behavior expectations that the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has set forth for all spectators to follow at all athletic contests. It is the duty and responsibility of School Personnel from both schools to ensure compliance by all who are attending these contests.
Remember that you are at the contest to support and cheer for your team, and to enjoy the skill and competition - not to intimidate or ridicule officials, coaches, players, or teams.
Remember that school athletics are a learning experience for students and that mistakes are sometimes made. Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes, and as people, just as you would praise a student working in the classroom or at home.
A ticket is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault others or to be generally obnoxious.
Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups as well as your own.
Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the studentathlete, and admire their willingness to participate in full view of the public.
Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play made by either team.
Use only cheers that support and the teams involved.
Be a positive role model through your own actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is unbecoming.
Parents and spectators should be aware that school personnel can (and should) remove them from the premises and can prohibit them from attending future contests due to undesirable behaviors.
Game officials can ask that school administrators have unruly fans removed from a contest facility.
There is no such thing as a “right” to attend interscholastic athletics events. Interscholastic athletics are considered a “privilege” and the spectator who avails himself or herself of them is expected to conduct himself or herself accordingly.
Keep in mind that you are a guest of the participating schools at extracurricular events, and that while winning is certainly an admirable goal, it is hollow if it comes at the expense of morals, ethics, and just plain common sense.
Our schools are the behavior of our spectators. School districts can be and will be punished for actions of patrons in violation of UIL standards and rules.
So, PLEASE, be a good sport! Adhere to the behavior guidelines, and demonstrate to our own students, spectators from neighboring communities, and contest officials that our community still places a premium on the Golden Rule. THANK YOU!