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.

119

players

44

fans

31

coaches

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.

Baseball

Based on these ejection reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school baseball revolve around displays of anger and disrespect towards umpires. Arguing balls and strikes, often accompanied by profanity and personal insults from players, coaches, and even parents, is a frequent trigger for ejections. Other disruptive behaviors include maliciously aggressive slides attempting to injure opposing players, intentionally damaging equipment (like throwing bats or helmets), and persistent arguing after warnings have been given, leading to bench restrictions and eventual removal from the game and in some extreme cases, removal 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.

Boys' Basketball

Based on these official reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school boys' basketball involve physical altercations after fouls or during play, often resulting in flagrant or intentional fouls and ejections. These include shoving, pushing, or striking opponents, sometimes escalating after a call is made. Verbal abuse and taunting, aimed at both officials and opposing players, is also prevalent, frequently leading to technical fouls. Furthermore, fan behavior is a recurring issue, with instances of profanity, threatening remarks towards officials or players, and even physical altercations, often necessitating ejections from 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.

Girls' Basketball

Based on these game reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in girls' basketball involve fan misconduct, player altercations, and issues stemming from coaching staff actions. Fan ejections frequently arise from using profanity towards officials or players, or by entering the court. Player confrontations range from throwing punches to instigating fights after a foul call, often leading to flagrant technical fouls and ejections. Coaching staff issues typically consist of assistant coaches going to the scorer’s table without permission, resulting in technical fouls.

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 these reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school football involve physical altercations, including punching, shoving, and kicking, often escalating from heated moments during plays or dead ball situations. Verbal altercations and unsportsmanlike language directed toward officials or opponents are also frequent causes for penalties and ejections. Leaving the bench area during an altercation is specifically cited, alongside gestures considered obscene or disrespectful, such as grabbing the crotch or making specific hand gestures. Contact with officials, whether intentional or in the heat of the moment, is another major trigger for immediate 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

Based on these reports, the most prevalent unsportsmanlike behaviors in high school soccer revolve around dissent and foul language. Players and coaches alike frequently receive cautions and ejections for publicly arguing with referees' decisions. Cursing at officials, opponents, or even one's own teammates is also a common trigger for disciplinary action, highlighting a widespread issue with controlling emotions and respecting the authority of match officials. These incidents often escalate, leading to further misconduct and potential violence.

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 high school girls' soccer frequently revolves around aggressive verbal dissent and violent actions. Players often receive ejections for using foul language directed at referees or opponents, sometimes escalating to spitting or physical violence like punching, kicking, or hair-pulling. Fan behavior also presents a significant issue, characterized by public and provocative language, accusations of cheating, and disruptive actions like using air horns, all leading to interventions and ejections from the game. Dissent is the major theme in the data provided.

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' Softball

Based on the provided officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in Girls' Softball revolve around disagreements with calls made by the umpires. These disagreements often escalate from simple arguing to personalized insults and profanity directed at the officials, coming from coaches, players, and especially fans. Ball and strike calls, close plays at bases, and interpretations of rules are frequent triggers for these outbursts, leading to warnings, restrictions, ejections, and occasionally post-game confrontations. Another common issue specifically for players is malicious contact.

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 officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school girls' volleyball involve coaches and fans exhibiting aggressive and disrespectful behavior. Coaches frequently dispute calls, leading to warnings, yellow/red cards, and ejections for arguing with officials, using profanity, and refusing to follow proper procedures for addressing concerns. Fans often contribute to the toxic atmosphere by yelling at officials and players, making derogatory remarks, throwing objects, and refusing to leave when asked, often prompting the need for administrative or security intervention. Consistency of line judges and the lack of SRO's at matches contributed to escalating behavior from all parties.

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

It's clear that unsportsmanlike conduct in high school wrestling often stems from the heat of competition and perceived injustices. Verbal outbursts, frequently involving profanity directed at opponents or officials, are a recurring issue, often following takedowns, perceived bad calls, or difficult situations. Physical actions like punching, shoving, flagrant roughness (cross-faces), or even biting, represent a disturbing trend, often triggered by frustration or accusations of illicit tactics by the opponent. Finally, emotional outbursts after a loss, such as throwing headgear or removing singlets on the mat, demonstrate a lack of composure and respect for the sport. Coaches and fans also contribute to the problem when they argue over a match decision, often with foul language.

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.