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.
54players |
7coaches |
6fans |
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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 the extensive officials’ reports, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in Boys’ Basketball are escalating verbal confrontations and retaliatory physical actions, frequently involving players taunting each other face-to-face or shoving after a whistle, leading to double technicals or ejections. Additionally, repeated instances of coaches and fans berating officials with profanity from outside the coaches box or stands, often resulting in direct technicals and removal from the gym, highlight a pervasive issue with sideline and spectator conduct.
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, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in girls' basketball involve escalating confrontations that begin with verbal disputes over calls. These frequently result in technical fouls, player ejections for fighting or throwing the ball at an opponent, and the ejection of coaches and assistant coaches for leaving the bench or using profanity. Notably, a recurring issue is the unruly behavior of fans and parents who verbally harass officials and must be removed by school administrators or law enforcement.
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, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school football involve fighting and throwing punches, often escalating from late hits or taunting, alongside disqualifications for accumulating two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls for actions such as using racial slurs, directing profanity at opponents or officials, and excessive celebration like spiking the ball.
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, the most common unsportsmanlike scenarios in high school girls’ soccer involve **reckless challenges and dangerous play** (often leading to yellow or straight red cards), **dissent and abusive language toward officials** (resulting in multiple yellows or direct ejections), and **confrontations with opponents** after the whistle, including verbal taunts and physical intimidation. Additionally, **spectator misconduct**, such as shouting profanities at referees, frequently escalates to the point of ejection 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.