The Yonkers Public School District would like to ensure that all fans that attend interscholastic athletic events are aware of the spectator sportsmanship policy that has been put into place by the NYSPHSAA (New York State Public High School Athletic Association) to prevent unruly behavior by fans.

The NYSPHSAA recognizes and appreciates that the influence and responsibility of the school administration with regard to good sportsmanship extends to all levels of competition. However, it must also be seen that the NYSPHSAA has been vested with the responsibility to ensure that all contests under its jurisdiction are conducted satisfactorily. This standard applies to all regular season and post schedule play.

As of July 1, 2013, the Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act-Section 52.2, Part 80 and 57-4) is to provide all public-school students with an environment free from harassment, bullying (including cyber bullying) and discrimination, as well as to foster civility in public schools. The Dignity Act focuses on the prevention of discrimination behaviors, including harassment/bullying through the promotion of educational measures meant to positively impact school culture and climate, which includes the interscholastic programs.

Use of derogatory or racially explicit language; discriminatory harassment or bias conduct that creates a hostile environment that is disruptive to the educational environment. Spectators shall not be permitted to use vulgar/offensive or racially/culturally insensitive language or engage in any racially/culturally insensitive action. NYSPHSAA Sections may sanction, censure or place schools on probation that fail to address derogatory or inappropriate behavior deemed harmful to physical or mental well-being for those involved in interscholastic activities. (July 2023)

Expectation Statement: Officials, just like student athletes and coaches, are critical to interscholastic sports programs. Without officials, NYSPHSAA and its member schools would not be able to provide interscholastic sports in the manner that is desired and expected by student athletes, coaches, and parents. Spectators are expected to “Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Positive.” Negative comments and inappropriate behaviors by spectators are required to be addressed by all and any school supervisors and administrators, as a member of NYSPHSAA. Spectators may be prohibited from attending current and future interscholastic contests based on their behavior. (Oct. 2022)

Spectator Regulation: Any negative, inappropriate, derogatory comments or actions that draw the direct attention of a supervisor or school administrator by a spectator or group of spectators are required to be addressed by the host school, Sectional or NYSPHSAA representative in the following non-sequential order depending on the comments or behavior:

• First warning – Directing the spectator or group of spectators to refrain from any negative comments or actions.
• Second warning – A personal discussion with the spectators or group of spectators on the above NYSPHSAA expectations and reminding the spectators or group of spectators of the next step, removal from the game or event, will be utilized if the behavior continues.
• Removal from the contest – The spectator or group of spectators will be directed to leave the facility for the remainder of the game or event. If spectators or group of spectators refuse to leave the game or event, play will be stopped until they vacate the premises.
  • Penalty for being removed from a game or event: Any spectator removed from a game or event will have a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential course (NFHS Course) or a one game suspension before they are allowed to attend any interscholastic event. Once the course is completed the spectator will provide a certificate of completion to the athletic department office. Schools are required to communicate with the offending spectator on the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Spectator Expectations.
• Depending on the severity of the behavior/comments or future disqualifications by the offending spectator NYSPHSAA and the Section may get directly involved in the situation. (May 2023)

References:

NYSPHSAA Handbook