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New SEC Sportsmanship Policy Cautions Fans 11/21/2004
New SEC Sportsmanship Policy Cautions Fans Vanderbilt officials are cautioning Commodore fans about a new Southeastern Conference sportsmanship policy recently approved by league Athletic Directors. The policy, effective December 1, limits access to the competition area for all sports to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times. The SEC policy imposes significant financial penalties for fan misconduct, which particularly refers to fans leaving their seats to rush the field or court for post-game celebrations. The policy extends to before and during competition as well. At the discretion of SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, institutions can be fined for first offenses of this policy in the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball with fines escalating should there be further offenses. Additionally, institutions will levy penalties against violators that include but not limited to expulsion from the facility, arrest for trespassing and the loss of future ticket privileges. In addition to these three penalties, violators who are students shall be subject to institutional student disciplinary measures. “These are serious penalties but the Southeastern Conference is very serious about the safety and welfare of it student-athletes and fans,” says Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor David Williams II. “Everyone wants their fans to help create a home advantage but there is strong sentiment to curtail the celebrations before someone gets seriously injured.” Vanderbilt officials have been communicating with its student body, including meetings with student leaders and spirit groups, advertisements in student publications, signage in facilities and messages from head coaches to be shown on video boards prior to competition. SEC Access Policy In all sports, access to the competition area shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area. It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy. Institutional penalties against individuals who improperly enter the competition area shall include, but not be limited to, expulsion from the facility, arrest for trespassing, and the loss of future ticket privileges. In addition to these three penalties, violators who are students shall be subject to institutional disciplinary measures. Each institution is responsible for publicizing this policy, as well as the penalties associated with violations through appropriate means such as ticket back statements, public address announcements, video/matrix announcements, facility signage and other means available. It is likewise the responsibility of head coach to publicly discourage spectators from entering the playing area at any time. |
