SPECTATOR CODE OF  CONDUCT/SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY

Weehawken High School and the NJSIAA are committed to providing a safe and positive environment for our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators. Athletics are to be a rewarding experience, designed to teach sportsmanship to all participants. 

There is no place in interscholastic athletics for negative, inappropriate, or derogatory comments or behaviors including, but not limited to: entering the playing area, approaching coaches or players during competition, interacting with officials, or not complying with security or facility manager’s requests. 

Any such spectator behavior will be addressed by officials, school supervisors, administrators, or site staff and will result in ejection from the event. Spectators will be prohibited from attending future interscholastic contests based on their behavior. See the penalty phase listed below which is unappealable and subject to school administrative discretion.

First Offense: (365-day calendar starts) 

• Two (home) game suspensions from the sport ejected and all other (home) events. One  (home) game suspension in the sport of football. This also includes removal from the contest at which the incident occurred. If spectator/spectators refuse to leave the venue, play will be stopped until they vacate the premises. 

• Parent/guardian/spectator will be required to take the NFHS Sportsmanship Course and submit the certificate to the Athletic Director.

Second Offense: (occurs within the 365-day calendar of first occurrence)

• Four (home) game suspensions from the sport ejected and all other (home) events. Two  (home) game suspensions for the sport of football. This also includes removal from the contest at which the incident occurred. If spectator/spectators refuse to leave the venue,  play will be stopped until they vacate the premises. 

• Follow-up meeting with school administration (Athletic Director/Principal) 

• Letter will be on file documenting the situation. 

Third Offense: (occurs within the 365-day calendar of first occurrence) 

• Person or persons will be suspended for the remainder of the current season and one (1) year from the date of the third occurrence. 

• Follow-up meeting with school administration (Athletic Director/Principal)

• Letter will be on file documenting the situation. 

Fourth Offense: (occurs within the 365-day calendar or beyond) 

• Indefinite suspension from all athletic events. A spectator may request a reinstatement meeting with a school administration after a full calendar year has passed. Schools are not required to reinstate but may review on a case-by-case basis.