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.
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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 the officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school football appear to stem from a lack of emotional control and respect. This includes verbal abuse and aggressive challenges towards officials by coaches and players, often triggered by perceived bad calls or game situations. Players frequently engage in actions like taunting opponents, throwing punches, flagrant fouls (spearing or kicking), and leaving the bench to participate in altercations, resulting in ejections and penalties. Furthermore, unacceptable behavior isn't confined to the field; instances of disrespectful and even racist behavior from fans directed at officials also occur, creating a hostile environment.
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 incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct in Girls' Soccer stem from fouls, particularly those deemed reckless, leading to cautions and ejections. Dissent towards referees, often involving offensive language from both players and coaches, also frequently results in disciplinary action. Furthermore, physical altercations, ranging from shoves to outright fighting, contribute significantly to ejections and abandoned matches, highlighting a concern for on-field behavior and 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.
Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike conduct in high school girls' volleyball involves coaches and fans exhibiting aggressive and disrespectful behavior towards officials. Coaches frequently dispute calls by yelling, using profanity, refusing to follow procedures, and in extreme cases, throwing objects and even being ejected from the match. Fan misconduct includes verbally abusing officials and opposing players with insults and derogatory language. They also engage in disruptive behavior, like throwing objects, or even escalating to physical confrontation and following officials after the game. In a small handful of cases, players were observed exhibiting unsportsmanlike characteristics by counting while an opponent serves. The lack of adequate security or enforcement of rules by school administration and SROs often exacerbates these situations.
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.