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.
348players |
77fans |
36coaches |
2Bench personnel |
1faculty/staffs |
1others |
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.
Based on these reports, the most frequent causes of unsportsmanlike conduct in these boys' basketball games stem from interactions between players and officials, players and other players, and fans and officials. These interactions often escalate from verbal disagreements (questioning calls, taunting, profanity) to physical altercations (pushing, shoving, striking), demonstrating a lack of emotional control and respect for the game, its rules, and its participants. Fan behavior also plays a significant negative role, with instances of heckling, threats, and even physical altercations contributing to a hostile atmosphere. A few overly aggressive fouls also contributed to the unsportsmanlike environment of some games.
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.
Based on the officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in girls' high school basketball revolve around physical altercations on the court, disrespectful conduct towards the officiating crew, and inappropriate behavior from fans. On-court incidents often include flagrant fouls like throwing the ball at opponents or engaging in punches and pushes, sometimes escalating into bench-clearing situations. Disrespect towards officials manifests as derogatory comments, arguing calls, or even coaches entering the court in protest. Fan misbehavior encompasses verbal abuse directed at referees and players, use of profanity, entering the court, and generally unruly behavior that leads to ejections.
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.
Based on the officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school football revolve around physical altercations, verbal abuse, and illegal actions. Fighting, including throwing punches, pushing, and shoving, occurred frequently, often escalating after plays and leading to ejections. Verbal unsportsmanlike conduct, such as using profanity towards officials, opponents, or bystanders, and trash talking leading to physical retaliation, also resulted in penalties and ejections. Illegally leavingThe bench (team area while not playing) to join on field activity, kicking a defenseless players face and Flagrant fouling of any kind resulted in serious problems and penalties. Sometimes fans created issues that the administration had to resolve.
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.
Based on these match reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school soccer revolve around dissent towards officials, aggressive behavior, and foul language. Players and coaches frequently receive cautions and ejections for arguing calls, making offensive remarks to referees or opponents, and committing violent fouls such as stepping on players or kicking at them. Fan misconduct, including yelling profanity and directing derogatory comments at players, also contributes significantly to unsportsmanlike conduct incidents that arise on the pitch creating a poor environment for 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.
Based on these reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in girls' high school soccer most commonly manifests in the form of dissent directed at referees, often involving foul language or aggressive outbursts following calls, as demonstrated by players and spectators alike; dangerous or violent play resulting in ejections for actions such as fighting, punching, or reckless tackles; and persistent infringement of the rules, leading to multiple cautions and eventual expulsion from the game. The use of air horns by fans to disrupt play and verbal abuse targeting players and officials also occur with notable frequency, highlighting a range of behaviors that detract from the integrity and sportsmanship of the game.
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.
Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in girls' volleyball involve coaches and spectators exhibiting unacceptable behavior. Coaches frequently engage in excessive arguing with officials, often escalating to profanity, disrespectful conduct, and even ejection from the game. Spectators contribute to the problem by directing abusive comments at officials and players, interfering with the scorers' table, and in some cases, refusal to leave the premises when asked. The reports underscore a concerning trend of adults creating hostile environments that undermine the integrity of the sport.
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.
Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school wrestling stem from a lack of emotional control during and after matches. Wrestlers frequently resort to profanity directed at opponents or officials, physical aggression such as punching, shoving, or even biting, and disrespectful gestures like removing singlets or throwing equipment. Coaches and spectators also contribute, with incidents involving arguing with officials, using abusive language, and even intervening physically in matches. These behaviors result in penalties ranging from unsportsmanlike conduct to flagrant misconduct, ultimately leading to 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.
Based on these reports, the most frequent unsportsmanlike incidents in girls' wrestling involve biting, often occurring when wrestlers are in close contact during takedowns or when a crossface is applied. Beyond biting, physical altercations like punching, kicking, or slamming an opponent's head into the mat are also prevalent. Verbal misconduct, directed at both opponents and officials, including swearing and disrespectful remarks, is another recurring issue. Finally, unsportsmanlike conduct doesn't always come from competitors, as parents and coaches frequently direct angry insults an officials.
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.