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 officials' reports, the most common unsportsmanlike behaviors in boys' basketball stem from frustration and disagreement with officiating. Players frequently exhibit dissent through verbal outbursts, gestures, and taunting, often leading to technical fouls and ejections. Coaches also contribute to the issue by aggressively arguing calls, using inappropriate language, and failing to control their behavior, which can escalate into ejections. Furthermore, fan behavior, marked by persistent heckling, verbal abuse directed at officials and opposing teams, and even physical confrontations, constitutes a significant problem, necessitating ejections to maintain order and safety.
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 officials' reports provided, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in girls' basketball appear to stem from on-court altercations and parent/fan misbehavior. Player misconduct frequently involves physical tussles for the ball escalating into fighting, aggressive ball throwing after whistles, and verbal taunting or profanity directed at opponents and officials, often resulting in technical fouls and ejections. Disruptive behavior from parents and fans, including yelling derogatory statements at officials, entering the court, and engaging in verbal confrontations, also presents a significant challenge, leading to ejections from the gymnasium and emphasizing the need for stronger administrative control.
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 causes of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejections in high school football are a volatile mixture of physical and verbal transgressions. Fights, including throwing punches and general skirmishes, account for a large number of ejections, followed by physical contact with officials, such as shoving or bumping. Verbally, using profanity, taunting, or directing abusive language towards officials or opponents are frequent triggers. Players leaving the bench to join altercations are also regularly flagged, and actions like stomping on opponents, kicking, and obscene gestures round out the often-seen examples of poor on-field behavior.
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.
The most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school soccer appear to stem from a combination of in-game frustrations and heated emotions. Many incidents involve reckless tackles and fouls, especially those resulting in contact to the head or involving a player lunging without attempting to play the ball. Dissent towards referees, both from coaches and players, is also a frequent issue, often escalating to the point of ejection. Furthermore, physical altercations, ranging from shoving to punches, and verbal abuse, including foul and abusive language directed at opponents or officials, contribute significantly to unsportsmanlike conduct on the field. Finally misconduct from fans directed at officials and players is also a noteworthy problem.
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, unsportsmanlike conduct in girls' soccer frequently manifests as dissent towards officials, often involving yelling, cursing, and accusatory language. This dissent comes from both players and spectators, with players sometimes verbally abusing referees after (or even during) the game, and spectators getting ejected for their loud, negative comments from the stands. Additionally, rule infractions such as violent behavior (kicking and/or punching of opponents) are also somewhat normal.
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 reports, unsportsmanlike conduct in girls' volleyball stems primarily from coaches and spectators disagreeing with officiating calls. This manifests as arguing with officials, using profanity, making derogatory comments, and, in more extreme cases, throwing objects, refusing to leave the premises, or engaging in physical intimidation. Disrespectful behavior towards scorekeepers, especially when scoring errors occur, is also a recurring issue. Line judges also caused many issues for the referees. The lack of adequate security presence or intervention often exacerbates these situations, creating an unsafe environment for officials, players, and spectators.
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 official reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school wrestling appear to stem from a lack of emotional control and respect for the rules and opponents. Flagrant Misconduct as a result of biting is a frequent occurence. Wrestlers often lash out physically, with punching, face shoving, and headbutting incidents reported. Verbally, profanity directed at officials and opponents, and inappropriate gestures are also common triggers for penalties. Furthermore, coaches and parents behaving unprofessionally by arguing with officials, using abusive language, or even entering the wrestling area contribute significantly to the unsportsmanlike conduct observed at these events.
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.