The MASCAC presidents and directors of athletics have asked that the need for sportsmanship at MASCAC athletic contests be emphasized. The conference asks that any behavioral problems are reported to the schools that are involved. It is particularly important that these incidents are reported; the NCAA is tracking sportsmanship in Division III soccer, football, basketball, and men’s lacrosse, baseball, and softball. In order to have accurate data from the schools, they need to be aware of unsportsmanlike behavior! If I can be of any assistance in this regard, please fell free to contact me. Thanks for helping convey this message to the appropriate parties.
PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENT PRIOR TO MASCAC CONTESTS:
The (Middle Atlantic, Freedom, Commonwealth) Conference and (College/University) welcome you to today's contest. The (Middle Atlantic, Freedom, Commonwealth) Conference promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. We encourage your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches, or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition. Thank you for your cooperation.
TO BE PLACED WITH EACH OFFICIAL'S CHECK BY MASCAC SCHOOLS:
The Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation and this host institution support you in upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship during the MASCAC contest you are officiating. Please penalize foul and abusive language, taunting and disrespectful actions on the part of coaches, players, and fans. Thank you.
TO BE EXPRESSED BY EACH HEAD COACH TO HIS OR HER TEAM:
One of the major lessons of sport is to learn self-respect as well as respect for ones opponent. An attitude of good sportsmanship enhances the quality of the competition and also enhances you as a person. As your coach, I expect honesty and good sportsmanship from every member of this team.
We have an obligation to ourselves, our college, and the game itself to behave in a responsible fashion. We need to promote a positive environment for good sportsmanship by positive personal conduct. There is no place in athletic competition for degradation of opponents, officials, or fans. Compete to win, but win or lose with dignity
POST IN PRESS BOX:
The press box is a working area for professionals; foul language, the taunting of spectators, excessive noise, and, in general, all unprofessional conduct, will not be tolerated. The home site authority will issue one warning for those who violate the above policy.
The MASCAC Fact Book clearly states that the head coach is the primary agent for promoting and controlling sportsmanlike behavior on the part of his/her team and for promoting a sportsmanlike atmosphere at the contest site. Although head coaches are not near the press box on game day, they need to firmly direct the expectations regarding press box behavior with each of their assistant coaches.
We do not ask for a lessening of enthusiasm or excitement; spontaneous celebrations can take place without diminishing, mocking, or disrespecting the efforts of opponents. Rather, we challenge each coach to improve intercollegiate athletics by serving as a role model who reflects the values of sportsmanship in an effort to plant the seeds of ethical conduct in our student-athletes.
POST AT THE ENTRANCE TO EACH VENUE:
Participation in this Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation (MASCAC) athletic event is a privilege that is accompanied by the responsibility to behave with dignity, honesty, fairness, civility, and respect. As hosts, we are responsible for providing the visitors with an environment that would meet our expectations if the roles were reversed. This is our home; please treat it as you would your own.