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.

276

players

47

fans

26

coaches

1

faculty/staffs

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.

Boys' Basketball

Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in boys' basketball revolve around verbal abuse and disrespect towards officials. This includes fans and coaches yelling obscenities, criticizing judgment calls excessively, and making offensive or threatening remarks. Players also contribute to unsportsmanlike behavior through taunting, fighting, and excessive physical contact, such as shoving or slapping, especially in dead-ball situations. Additionally, inappropriate behavior from fans, such as making suggestive comments or becoming belligerent, often 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.

Girls' Basketball

Based on the officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in Girls' Basketball appear to revolve around physical altercations and escalating verbal exchanges. These incidents often stem from heated moments during play, such as contested fouls or jump balls, leading to punches, slaps, and brawls between players. Furthermore, unsportsmanlike conduct extends to verbal taunting, obscenities directed at opponents or officials, disrespectful comments after foul calls, and even bench clearing incidents when fights break out. Fan behavior also plays a significant role, with instances of parents and spectators yelling derogatory remarks, inciting tensions, and even confronting officials, occasionally leading to ejections from the gym.

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 the provided reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school football revolve around physical altercations, disrespectful conduct towards both officials and opponents, and illegal actions during game play. Fighting, which includes throwing punches, pushing, and shoving, is a recurring issue, often stemming from heated moments after the play. Furthermore, unsportsmanlike conduct encompasses verbal abuse via foul language (including profanity and racial slurs), taunting, and disrespectful gestures such as grabbing one's crotch or intentionally making contact with officials. Illegal and dangerous actions during gameplay, such as kicking or stomping on a downed player, or launching into a receiver resulting in helmet-to-helmet contact are common causes for 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.

Soccer

Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school soccer revolve around dissent towards officials (including foul language and abusive behavior), violent conduct on the field (ranging from hair pulling and punching to reckless tackles), and unsportsmanlike actions from fans (profanity, derogatory comments, and general disruptive behavior leading to ejections). These situations often result in yellow and red cards for players and coaches, and occasionally require intervention from game administrators and law enforcement to manage unruly fans.

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 these reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in girls' high school soccer often stems from a few key sources. Dissent towards officials, both from players and spectators, is a recurring issue, manifesting as verbal abuse, profanity, and accusatory language after calls go against a team. Player-on-player aggression, ranging from reckless fouls to violent acts like kicking, punching, and hair-pulling, is also prevalent. Finally, sideline behavior from fans, including excessive noise, air horn use, and personal attacks on players and referees, frequently disrupt games and lead 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.

Girls' Volleyball

Judging from these referee reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in girls' volleyball frequently stems from disputes over officiating, often escalating into yelling, profanity, and aggressive behavior directed at referees, scorekeepers, and opposing fans. Coaches are often cited for arguing calls, particularly regarding double contacts, net violations, and out-of-bounds plays, sometimes resulting in warnings, card penalties, and ejections. Fans contribute to the problem by verbally abusing officials and players, disrupting the game with offensive comments and even physical actions. A lack of security presence and inadequate administrative response can exacerbate these situations, leading to confrontations and safety concerns both inside and outside the gymnasium.

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 these reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in high school wrestling frequently stems from frustration and disagreement with officiating. Common scenarios include wrestlers using abusive language towards officials or opponents – especially after perceived bad calls or during heated moments – physical altercations , biting and coaches and spectators arguing rulings, refusing to comply with instructions, and generally disrupting the flow of the match. Such behavior can lead to penalties, ejections, and even team withdrawals, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure and respect for the rules and officials in high school wrestling.

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 the unusual occurrence reports, the most frequent unsportsmanlike behaviors in girls' wrestling appear to be biting, punching, and verbal abuse. Several wrestlers were penalized for biting opponents during matches, often in response to pressure or holds. Punching, both directly and as frustrated reactions after being pinned, also occurred. Finally, verbal misconduct takes a multitude of forms from coaches complaining about calls, the use of profanity by athletes and even parents yelling at officials for perceived bad calls. A majority of the situations resulted in flagrant misconduct penalties and 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.