Section X Sportsmanship Policy

Any negative, inappropriate, derogatory comments or actions by a spectator or group of spectators that draw attention to a supervisor or school administrator must be addressed by the host school, Coach, District Administration, or NYSPHSAA representative. The following steps may be taken, though not necessarily in this order:  

• First warning: Spectators are directed to stop the negative comments or actions.  
• Second warning: A personal discussion with the spectators reminds them of NYSPHSAA expectations and that the next step is removal from the game or event if the behavior continues.  
• Removal from the contest: Spectators are directed to leave the facility for the rest of the game or event. If they refuse, play will stop until they leave the premises.  

Districts or officials can skip these steps based on how severe the situation is.  

Penalty for being removed from a game or event: Any spectator removed will have a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential courses (“Positive Parenting Within School Programs” & “The Parent Seat”) and a one-game suspension before being allowed to attend any interscholastic event, home or away. The suspension applies to the next interscholastic event at the same level of the same sport where the removal happened. If the removal occurs during the last game of a season, the suspension is served at the next applicable interscholastic event in a subsequent sport season. After finishing the NFHS Parent Credential course, the spectator must give the certificate of completion to the athletic department office. Not complying will result in an additional suspension. Schools must communicate the NYSPHSAA Spectator Sportsmanship Expectations to the offending spectator.  

Depending on the severity of the behavior/comments or future disqualifications, NYSPHSAA and the Section may get directly involved. A school can take any or all of these actions during or after a contest.  

The Section X Sportsmanship Committee & Athletic Council recommends that an Administrator, Game Chaperone, Security, or Site Supervisor be at each athletic event. If one of these individuals is not available, the Head Coach, as a district employee, is responsible. The coach and/or official have the right to suspend a game if a spectator does not comply with a request to leave the game site.