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 these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school football appear to stem from two primary sources: fighting and aggressive verbal misconduct. Fighting, which can include throwing punches after the whistle, flagrant personal fouls, or even head-butting, leads to numerous ejections. Additionally, unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from profanity directed at opponents or officials, taunting, or excessive celebration also frequently results in penalties and ejections, as does the act of leaving the bench area during an altercation. The combination of these aggressive physical and verbal behaviors creates a challenging environment for officials aiming to maintain sportsmanship on the field.
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 behaviors in high school soccer include dissent towards referees, often escalating to verbal abuse and ejections of coaches and players. Other frequent issues involve physical altercations, such as hair-pulling and punching, which lead to red cards, and reckless or violent fouls, including kicking or tripping opponents. Additionally, abusive language directed at referees and opposing players, improper conduct by fans, and coaches' dissent regarding calls or player substitutions feature prominently.
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 prevalent unsportsmanlike behaviors in girls' soccer appear to stem from dissent and frustration, escalating into verbal abuse and, in some instances, physical aggression. Players and fans alike frequently target referees with profane language and accusations of bias, often triggered by perceived unfair calls or game situations. We see instances of players verbally lashing out at officials, opponents, and even their own teammates, while frustrated fans contribute to the negative atmosphere by engaging in similar abusive language and disruptive behavior, such as the misuse of air horns. These incidents underscore the need for continued emphasis on sportsmanship and emotional control within high school soccer programs.
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 girls' volleyball seem to revolve around escalating coach and fan behavior due to disputed calls. Coaches frequently cross the line by excessively arguing with officials—even after warnings—sometimes resulting in yellow and red cards for unsportsmanlike conduct, and in extreme cases, ejection from the game. Unruly fans often direct verbal abuse toward officials, scorekeepers, and opposing players, occasionally escalating to physical threats or confrontations, necessitating intervention from school administrators or security personnel to remove them from the premises.
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.