IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE STATE (AHSAA)

THIS WENT OUT TO ALL HIGH SCHOOLS AND APPLIES TO PLAYERS, FANS, ETC.  WHO LEAVE THE BENCH DURING THE GAME

Marvin Chou

AHSAA | Alabama High School Athletic Association

Randy Vice,

To All Soccer Coaches,

I hope each of you has had great start to the soccer season. I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and fair play. Athletes, coaches, and supporters all play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience for everyone involved. 

Sportsmanship is more than just a set of rules. It’s a commitment to integrity, respect, and a positive attitude both on and off the court. Whether we win or lose, how we conduct ourselves before, during and after competitions reflects not only on our team, but also on our school and community. Please take a moment to cover/revisit the following information with your athletic directors, coaches and fans. 

As part of your pre and post game expectations, remind your players and coaches about sportsmanship and the penalty for coming off the bench and unsportsmanlike acts. Make time this week to discuss all expectations of your coaches and players if an incident were to occur during a contest. It is very important to have a plan in place when an incident does occur and remind your players of Rule I Section 18, Leaving the Bench Ejections that can be found on page 40 of the 2023-2024 AHSAA handbook:

Leaving The Bench Ejection: If players come off the bench onto the court or field and are ejected under National Federation rules, they will also be suspended for 20 percent of the team’s total number of regular season contests. If a player is ejected by the contest officials or by the AHSAA for unsportsmanlike conduct that causes other players to leave the bench or team box, the player(s) who initiated the altercation will be charged with the same penalty as those who left the bench under National Federation rules and will also be suspended for 20 percent [ 5 games for Southside] of the team’s total number of regular season contests. Only the individuals from the school whose players came off the bench are affected by this rule.

Any player who leaves the team area during an altercation is subject to suspension. This includes those players leaving the sideline due to a change of possession.

ADDITIONALLY, EVERYONE SHOULD TALK TO YOUR FILMERS ABOUT THEIR ROLE DURING AN ALTERCATION. IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS AN ALTERCATION, YOU MUST CONTINUE TO FILM THE ALTERCATION.

Finally, please have a conversation with your fans (parents and students) regarding what is expected of them at your contests. While their passion is admired and their support of the hometown team is needed, they must be able to exhibit self-control. At no point should fans enter the playing area for any reason.

Let's make a collective effort to make this season a memorable one for all the right reasons. By embodying the principles of sportsmanship, we not only elevate the quality of our sporting experience but also contribute to the positive reputation of our team and the sport as a whole.

Thank you for your commitment to education-based athletics and all you do for our student athletes each and every day!

Thanks,

Marvin Chou