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.
103players |
38fans |
26coaches |
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 TSSAA official reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in Boys' High School Basketball seem to revolve around disrespect towards officials and physical altercations. Players are frequently assessed technical fouls, and even flagrant fouls, for taunting, screaming at officials, questioning their judgment, and engaging in physical altercations like pushing or striking opponents. Unsportsmanlike conduct isn't limited to the players, as coaches often receive technical fouls for arguing calls excessively, using inappropriate language, or refusing to leave the court promptly after being ejected. Additionally, fans are frequently ejected for using profanity, making threatening remarks towards officials or players, or even physically interfering in the game, sometimes leading to volatile situations that require police intervention.
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 the provided reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in girls' basketball involve physical altercations, often escalating from minor fouls or disagreements. These incidents frequently include players throwing punches, retaliating after perceived slights, or engaging in shoving matches, occasionally leading to bench-clearing situations. Furthermore, unsportsmanlike conduct extends beyond the players, with instances of fans (often parents) verbally abusing referees, coaches, or players, sometimes even encroaching onto the court, highlighting a need for stricter enforcement of sportsmanship standards both on and off the court.
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 football involve physical altercations, including throwing punches (players 74 Cummings, multiple Ezell-Harding players, 76 from Cordova, 52 of Glencliff, and 33 Owen Sutton) and kicking (player 11 of Loudon), with some incidents stemming from skirmishes after plays (Donaldson Christian vs. Ezell-Harding). Verbal misconduct, such as using profanity towards officials (Gibbs player 56, Science Hill player 5) or opponents (Science Hill player 5), and inappropriate gestures (Millington player 3), are also frequent causes for ejection. Leaving the bench area during altercations (Donaldson Christian players 57, 22, and Sheffield players 2,10) and making intentional contact with an official (Franklin County player 7) also lead to serious penalties.
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 acts in high school soccer involve players and coaches losing their temper and directing foul or abusive language towards referees, opponents, or even teammates. This dissent often results in yellow or red cards, particularly for coaches who persist despite warnings. Additionally, retaliatory violence is a recurring problem, with players physically confronting each other (grabbing hair, punching, shoving) after perceived fouls or frustrating plays, leading to ejections and game disruptions. Finally, unacceptable fan behavior, including profanity and derogatory comments aimed at players or referees, also necessitates intervention and sometimes ejection from the stadium.
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 girls' soccer appear to revolve around dissent and dangerous play. Dissent against referees, from both players and spectators, frequently leads to ejections, often involving offensive language directed at officials and players. Additionally, violent conduct, such as punching, kicking, hair-pulling, or reckless challenges, resulting in injury or the potential for injury, is sadly prevalent and consistently results in red cards. Finally, the repeated use of unsporting behavior tends to lead to multiple cautions given to the same player, and subsequent red cards.
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 officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school girls' volleyball revolve around coaches or fans exhibiting aggressive behavior and disrespect towards officials and opposing teams. This often involves arguing calls, using profanity, making derogatory comments, refusing to follow directions, and in extreme cases, throwing objects or even confronting officials physically. Additionally, inappropriate behavior from fans, such as yelling at scorers and players, making disruptive noises during play, and refusing to leave when asked, contributes to a hostile environment that undermines the integrity of the game.
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 the provided officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school wrestling involve physical aggression beyond the bounds of the sport, disrespectful language and gestures, and failure to abide by the rules. This includes actions such as flagrant unnecessary roughness, punching, biting, headbutting, and open-handed strikes to the face, as well as the use of profanity directed at opponents, coaches, or officials. Disruptive behavior from coaches and fans towards officials and matches, including arguing calls, entering the mat area, and using abusive language leading to ejections, also contributes significantly to the unsportsmanlike conduct issues.
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.