Spectator Policy

Spectator Code Of Conduct

It is the responsibility of the spectator to:

1. Cheer in a positive manner

2. No use of profanity or degrading language\gestures

3. Avoid actions which are intended to offend visiting teams, individual players, or fellow spectators

4. Show appreciation of good play by both teams 

5. Learn the rules of the game in order to be a better informed spectator

6. Treat visiting teams in a manner in which you would expect to be treated

7. Accept the judgment of players, coaches, referees, and game officials

8. Encourage fellow spectators to embody the spirit of sportsmanship

9. Avoid the use, abuse, and resulting negative influence of drugs and alcohol when attending a high school or youth sporting event

Sportsmanship

The Pittsfield Public Schools Athletic Department emphasizes that interscholastic competition shall be governed by the basic principles of good citizenship and proper sportsmanship.  We believe that the development of good sportsmanship -  through the practice of ethical behavior, moral reasoning, and appropriate conduct modeled by student-athletes, parents\guardians, and spectators - is one of the primary objectives of interscholastic athletics.  

The Pittsfield Public Schools, therefore, expects all stakeholders (including school administrators, coaches, athletes, parents\guardians, and spectators) to know and embrace the following fundamentals of sportsmanship:

1. Respect and consideration should be demonstrated  - by all stakeholders -  for our athletic opponents, their schools, and their spectators at all times.

2. Respect and consideration should be demonstrated - by all stakeholders - for the game officials, referees, and event staff at all times.

3. Knowledge of, and proper appreciation, for the rules of competition, should guide the behaviors of all stakeholders.  Rules are essential for a fair competition.

4. All stakeholders shall strive to maintain self-control and proper perspective at all times.  The desire to win shall not, and will not, be an acceptable reason for irrational, inappropriate, or unsportsmanlike behavior.

5. Regardless of school affiliation, all stakeholders shall learn to recognize and appreciate the skill, performance, and commitment associated with student-athletes, teams, and competitions.

6. Event attendees shall be expected to display their energy, enthusiasm, and support in a positive manner.  

All stakeholders are expected to demonstrate the values of proper sportsmanship.  

Unsportsmanlike behavior - including profanity, taunting, racial or ethnic comments, and\or other forms of inappropriate actions - will not be tolerated

The behaviors and reactions by student-athletes and spectators play an important role in their school’s reputation.  

Unsportsmanlike behavior demonstrated by participating student-athletes are grounds for team and school disciplinary action - including potential dismissal from the team.

Unsportsmanlike behavior demonstrated by spectators are grounds for immediate removal from the site of competition, as well as further school and\or law enforcement disciplinary actions.

Spectators -  including members of the student body and parents\guardians of athletes - are reminded that they are held to the same sportsmanship standards as participating athletes.  

It is important for spectators to respond enthusiastically and appropriately to participating teams and game situations, censure fellow spectators whose behavior is inappropriate, be positive toward participating players, coaches, and contest officials regardless of the outcome of a contest, and respect the judgment of the players, coaches, and contest officials.  

Failure by spectators to comply with sportsmanship standards will result in immediate removal from the contest site, as well as further school and\or law enforcement disciplinary actions.