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.

Boys' Basketball

Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in boys' basketball include verbal abuse directed at referees, often escalating to technical fouls and ejections for coaches and players; physical altercations between players, leading to flagrant fouls and disqualifications; and disruptive behavior from spectators, ranging from unsportsmanlike comments to threats, resulting in ejections from the gymnasium. These incidents frequently stem from disagreements with officiating calls, frustration during the game, or heightened emotions.

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 revolve around physical altercations, abusive language towards referees, and unruly fan behavior. Fights between players, often involving punches and aggressive physical contact like grabbing or shoving, frequently lead to ejections. Players also commonly display unsportsmanlike conduct through profanity directed at officials, arguing calls, and throwing the ball down in anger. Furthermore, disruptive fan behavior, including heckling, using profanity, and even entering the court, poses a significant problem, often resulting in ejections from the game. Instances of bench players illegally leaving the bench during altercations also contribute to the unsportsmanlike 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.

Football

Based on the provided reports, the most prevalent unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school football involve fighting, including throwing punches and general skirmishes after plays, often exacerbated by players leaving the bench to join the altercation. Disrespect towards officials, manifesting as verbal abuse (cussing, use of the n-word), physical contact and gestures, also frequently leads to ejections. Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct fouls during a game, often related to taunting, trash talk or late hits, are another common trigger for 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.

Soccer

Unsportsmanlike conduct in high school soccer frequently stems from heated emotions and disagreements during play. Dissent towards referees, through verbal abuse or persistent arguing, is a recurring problem, leading to coach and player ejections. On-field altercations, like reckless tackles, retaliatory punches, and hair-pulling, are also regrettably common, highlighting a need for greater player control. Finally, inappropriate fan behavior, including profanity and derogatory comments directed towards players and officials, often necessitates intervention from administrators and sometimes even police escorts from the stadium 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.

Girls' Soccer

Based on these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios plaguing high school girls' soccer seem to stem from a combination of foul play, dissent, and fan interference. Players frequently receive cautions and ejections for dangerous tackles, violent conduct like punching or hair-pulling, and verbally abusing officials or opponents with offensive language. Dissent towards referees, often involving cursing or questioning calls, is a recurring problem. Additionally, disruptive fan behavior, including using air horns to distract players, yelling abusive language, or confronting referees after the game, leads to ejections and game stoppages, further highlighting the need for improved sportsmanship both on and off 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.

Girls' Volleyball

Based on these reports, the most prevalent unsportsmanlike scenarios in girls' volleyball involve coaches losing control due to disputed calls, often regarding double contacts or net violations. This leads to verbal altercations with officials, ranging from arguing and profanity to deliberate acts of defiance like throwing objects and refusing to leave the court resulting in multiple yellow and red card ejections. Fan misbehavior is also a recurring issue, encompassing verbal abuse of officials, scorers, and opposing players, along with disruptive actions like throwing objects leading to removal from the venue.

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, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school wrestling revolve around physical and verbal aggression. Wrestlers often receive penalties for flagrant misconduct including biting, punching, headbutting, and applying excessive force beyond the rules of wrestling, like aggressive crossfaces or pressing weight on an opponent's face after a fall. Verbal abuse directed at the referee or opponents, including cursing and derogatory comments, is frequently cited. Additionally, disruptive behavior from coaches and parents, such as arguing calls, approaching the mat during live action when instructed not to, and using abusive language, also contribute to unsportsmanlike conduct incidents.

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.