July 7, 2006
Dear Parent of MASCAC Student-Athlete:
As you may already know, improving sportsmanship at our events is a present focus within the NCAA membership. Beyond that, the sixteen Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation presidents and their directors of athletics regularly ask me to emphasize the need for sportsmanship at our conference athletic contests. As institutional leaders, they promote and expect a higher standard than most of us experience at other athletic venues. I am sending you this letter on behalf of all our schools because of your special relationship to our programs – you want your child to have an exceptional academic and athletic experience. A wholesome competitive environment for your son or daughter is important to all of us.
As parents, you can provide leadership by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. 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 and/or officials. Rather, we challenge each spectator 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.
One of the major lessons of athletics is to learn self-respect as well as respect for others. Honesty, competitiveness, and good sportsmanship are lessons you have undoubtedly instilled in your children. As you mentored them at home, we have an obligation to continue to promote those values and reinforce them. The student-athletes you watch are amateurs who have made a commitment to an activity that gives them pleasure. Within this context, there is no place for degradation of opponents, officials, or fans.
You may be aware that, before competition begins, this statement is read: “The Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation 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 in this conference.” Our athletic administrators appreciate anything you can do to help ensure compliance with this code of behavior.
In advance, I, along with the presidents and directors of athletics, thank you for actively supporting these ideals and promoting good sportsmanship at MASCAC contests this year.
Sincerely,
Kenneth W. Andrews
MASCAC Executive Director