Fall 2025 Sports Registration is OPEN!
SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR AT SPORTS EVENTS
Recently (January, 2023), there was an event at a middle school basketball game here in Vermont where spectators at the event got into an argument in the stands that escalated into a physical brawl that spilled out onto the court.
Sadly, there have been several other incidents over the last few years that have tarnished the true spirit of education and competition in middle and high school athletics in Vermont.
Shelburne Community School is working closely with the Vermont Principal's Association (VPA) to ensure educational, safe, and productive extracurricular activities are accessible to all students.
Please read this statement from the Vermont Principals' Association and reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Please read the above Spectator Behavior message and the attached statement from the VPA.
In addition, take a few moments to watch this video, and share with everyone you know.
Let's have a great year full of fun and competitive athletics! Go Cats!
Shelburne Community School, in conjunction with The Vermont Principals’ Association, the Vermont Superintendents Association, and the Vermont School Athletic Directors Association requires participants and spectators to behave in a respectful manner. Sportsmanship and a safe playing environment are the top priorities for all Vermont school-sponsored activities. Vermont law requires learning environments free from hazing, harassment, and bullying of any kind. This is especially true with respect to a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ethnic differences, or disability. Under no circumstances should any student athletes, officials, or coaches, be subjected to behavior and/or language aimed to demean, disrespect or harm. If behavior or hate speech of this kind is observed and/or reported, the officials will stop the event immediately to meet with the coaches and the site administrator about the next course of action.
Possible outcomes of violating this expectation include:
● An immediate ejection from the event
● Ending the event early and returning home
● Possible forfeiture of the event or future events
● Resuming the game without fans
● Scheduling future games without fans
● Restrictions/suspensions from future attendance/participation
Adults and student athletes are encouraged and expected to work together to ensure a meaningful and safe learning environment for our communities to grow and thrive together. Thank you to all participants for helping ensure the highest levels of respect and safety for all.