Throughout the school year, TSSAA-registered contest officials report incidents of unsporting behavior to the TSSAA in order for the Executive Director to insure that schools are respecting association bylaws regarding unsportsmanlike conduct.

The TSSAA and its member schools believe strongly that the major purpose of education-based athletics is to be a part of the total educational program. A major part of this purpose is to stress to coaches, players, officials, and fans the vital importance of sportsmanship. It is critical that all parties understand the role they play in maintaining an atmosphere of good sportsmanship and being a positive role model for others.

A finalized list of incidents and responses is maintained by the state office staff and presented to the Board of Control each year at its June meeting.

785

players

106

fans

84

coaches

4

faculty/staffs

4

others

3

Bench personnel

To address these issues, coaches and school administrators can teach and demonstrate positive behavior by emphasizing the importance of respect and sportsmanship. Coaches should lead by example, treating officials, opponents, and their own players with respect at all times. They should emphasize the importance of fair play and encourage their players to display good sportsmanship. Additionally, coaches and administrators should create a positive game environment by promoting crowd etiquette and addressing any fan behavior that goes against the values of sportsmanship. It is crucial to educate everyone involved in the game about the importance of positive behavior, both on and off the court, to create a more enjoyable and respectful atmosphere for all participants.

Baseball

Based on these umpire reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school baseball revolve around arguments over calls, particularly strike zone disagreements. These arguments often escalate from verbal complaints by players and coaches to profanity, personal insults directed at umpires, and even physical gestures like slamming bats. Additionally, fan behavior, including persistent heckling and unsportsmanlike comments, frequently contributes to ejections. Ejections are often the result of repeated violations following warnings. A failure to adhere to umpire instructions, once a warning or restriction has been given, also tends to lead to an ejection.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Boys' Basketball

Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in boys' high school basketball stem from a lack of emotional control and respect. Players frequently receive technical fouls for arguing calls, directing foul language at opponents or officials, taunting, and escalating physical contact beyond the normal course of play. Ejections often result from flagrant fouls involving excessive or deliberate physical contact, fighting (throwing punches), or accumulating multiple technical fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct. Fan behavior, including verbal abuse of officials, entering the court, and threats, also contributes significantly to disruptions and ejections, highlighting the need for better crowd control.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Basketball

This week's high school girls' basketball scene was marred by several instances of unsportsmanlike conduct, with the most prevalent issues being fan interference, in-game fighting, and improper bench decorum. Multiple games were disrupted by unruly fans directing profanity and aggressive comments towards game officials, leading to ejections. On the court, altercations resulting in punches thrown led to disqualifications of players, while other players were ejected for leaving the bench during these incidents. Technical fouls were also handed out for taunting, aggressive ball slamming, and disrespectful behavior towards referees after calls, highlighting the need for improved sportsmanship from players, coaches, and fans alike.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Football

Based on these officials' reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in high school football frequently stems from physical altercations like punching and stomping, often resulting in ejections. Disrespectful language toward officials, including profanity and questioning their integrity, is another common trigger for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Furthermore, racial slurs and taunting opponents on the field are frequent causes for penalties and ejections in the game. These scenarios highlight the importance of maintaining composure and respect on the field to avoid penalties that can impact the game and lead to disqualifications.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Flag Football

Based on these reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in Girls' Flag Football appears to stem primarily from escalating physical altercations, both during and after games. These range from retaliatory shoves and punches after live-ball fouls or late hits, leading to player ejections, to larger brawls breaking out after the final whistle. Additionally, displays of anger towards officials, such as throwing the football or penalty flags, and inappropriate behavior from sideline attendants and spectators contribute to the overall problem of unsportsmanlike play.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Boys' Lacrosse

Based on the officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school boys' lacrosse appear to revolve around escalating physical altercations. These often begin with legal yet aggressive play like pushing or checking, then quickly devolve into illegal hits, punches, and stick-related violence. The issue is exacerbated by bench-clearing incidents where players leave their designated areas to join the fray, as well as post-whistle aggression and retaliatory actions, leading to a cascade of ejections and disqualifications.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Lacrosse

Based on recent game reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in girls' lacrosse frequently arises from overly aggressive physical play following routine contact. Players often escalate situations after collisions, as seen with instances of retaliatory stick throwing, intentional physical attacks like kneeing opponents, and dangerous plays involving the stick such as shoving or attempted hits. These actions, sometimes following prior warnings, result in penalties like red cards, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure and adhering to the rules of safe and respectful play.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Soccer

Based on these match reports, the most prevalent forms of unsportsmanlike conduct in high school soccer often stem from dissent towards referees, typically manifested as foul and abusive language directed at officials, both during and after the game. Reckless or violent challenges, particularly late tackles or intentional fouls endangering player safety, and even kicking at the goal keeper, also contribute significantly. Additionally, verbal altercations with opposing players or benches, including trash talk and profanity, and persistent infringement, often leading to second cautions and resulting in ejections, are reoccurring issues.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Soccer

Based on the provided referee reports, the most common unsportsmanlike behaviors in girls' high school soccer appear to stem from dissent towards officials' decisions, often involving foul language and verbal abuse directed at the referees. Ejections frequently arise from receiving two yellow cards for unsporting conduct, typically related to reckless tackles, persistent fouling, or continued dissent. There are also a number of instances of after the whistle is blown, players lashing out and/or punching or kicking opponents. Additionally, coach misconduct, including arguing calls, using inappropriate language, and entering the field of play without permission, contributes to the unsportsmanlike environment. Finally, fan behavior, such as verbal abuse, threats, and physical gestures directed at referees and players, is also present, further emphasizing a culture of disrespect and poor sportsmanship.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Softball

Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school girls' softball revolve around vehemently disagreeing with umpires' calls, particularly those related to strike zones, interference, and safe/out rulings. This disagreement often manifests as loud and derogatory comments hurled at the umpires from both fans and coaches, sometimes escalating to ejections. Fans are often guilty of extreme verbal harassment and threats, while coaches can act out by either yelling from the dugout, throwing equipment, or inciting the players.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Track and Field

Unsportsmanlike conduct in Girls' Track and Field often stems from rule violations surrounding pacing. As evidenced by the recent incident, athletes and coaches sometimes disregard regulations against unauthorized assistance, such as runners from the same team entering the track to pace teammates, or using electronic devices like phones to record and encourage runners during the race. When officials enforce these rules, it can lead to heated exchanges, with coaches sometimes challenging the decisions using inappropriate language, which has clear consequences according to TSSAA guidelines.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Volleyball

Based on these reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in Girls' Volleyball often revolves around sideline behavior. This includes fans or non-playing team members engaging in disruptive actions like taunting opponents (e.g., counting serves to influence officiating) and heated interactions with referees involving disrespectful language, gestures, or throwing equipment. Coaches, both head and assistant, also contribute to problematic situations by vehemently arguing calls, using offensive language, and exhibiting uncontrolled emotional outbursts, sometimes escalating to ejections from the game. These incidents negatively impact the game's atmosphere and require intervention to maintain order.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Wrestling

Based on the provided officials' reports, the most common acts of flagrant misconduct in high school wrestling fall into a few disturbing categories. Primarily, physical aggression, such biting, often leading to immediate disqualification. Beyond that, foul language aimed at opponents, coaches, or officials is another consistent source of penalties. Finally, visible shows of frustration, such as throwing headgear or arguing aggressively with officials, frequently escalate to unsportsmanlike conduct and can ultimately result in ejection from the match.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.

Girls' Wrestling

Based on these reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in girls' wrestling seems to stem from a few key areas: physical aggression like biting, punching, and slamming opponents' heads into the mat, often in response to perceived illegal holds or frustration; verbal misconduct, including blatant foul language towards opponents or officials; and heated interactions with coaches and parents who aggressively challenge referee decisions, sometimes crossing the line into personal insults and threats.

The full list of disciplinary actions is only available to school personnel. Sign into the Portal and return to this page to view the report.