Blue Devil Fans Held to Section XI Code of Conduct

Blue Devil fans attending last week’s night football game were generally a model of good behavior, especially the large student cheering section. The Huntington faithful and their West Babylon counterparts held firm to the high standards of spectator conduct laid out by Section XI and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

Fan misbehavior is an increasingly serious issue at athletic events across the country at every level with some exceptionally poor decisions that have led to major injuries and even felony criminal charges for violent attacks.

Huntington UFSD utilizes security guards and athletic event supervisors to hold fans to high standards of conduct and by and large the Blue Devil faithful and its opponents have all behaved well. District officials want to maintain that positive atmosphere throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons in 2023/24.

The Section XI “statement of philosophy” regarding spectators and overall crowd sportsmanship at events reads is as follows:

“The member schools encourage the attendance of students, parents and interested members of the community at all athletic events.  We further encourage their active support of these programs by participating in those activities which lend themselves to stimulating student achievement, good sportsmanship, and school spirit.  These activities should be positive in nature and within the guidelines of the Section XI Code of Conduct.  It is not our intent to reduce the involvement of spectators or the enjoyment of those who participate.  Rather, it is our goal to create an atmosphere which is conducive to healthy athletic competition, is safe for those involved, and which provides the ideals of sportsmanship and sound educational practices.”

All Section XI member schools as well as affiliates known as “friends and neighbors” are required to adhere to the Section XI Spectator Code of Conduct. Violators of the code are subject to eviction from game sites.

Section XI Spectator Code of Conduct

1. Spectators are an important part of the game and shall at all times conform to accepted standards of good sportsmanship and behavior.
2. shall at all times respect officials, coaches and players and extend all courtesies to them.
3. Wholesome cheering is encouraged.
4. Taunting, foul and abusive language, noisemakers, inflammatory remarks and disrespectful signs and behavior are not acceptable.
5. Faculty supervised pep bands are permitted during dead ball time. However, spectator noise makers or sound devices are prohibited.
6. Spectators shall observe and obey the rules and regulations of the school concerning smoking, vaping, food and soft drink consumption, and use of lavatory facilities and parking of cars.
7. New York State law prohibits alcoholic beverages of any kind on school property; the law further prohibits any person under the influence of alcohol to be on school property.
8. Spectators shall respect and obey all school officials, supervisors and police at all athletic contests.

NYSPHSAA has also established a set of expectations that all member schools and their fans must follow or face penalties and ejection.

“The Association recognizes and appreciates that the influence and responsibility of the school administration with regard to good sportsmanship extends to all levels of competition,” states the NYSPHSAA handbook. “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 is meant 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,” according to the NYSPHSAA handbook. “Spectators shall not be permitted to use vulgar/offensive or racially/culturally insensitive language or engage in any racially/culturally insensitive action.”

Since July 2023, NYSPHSAA has empowered all 11 member sections, including Section XI with the right to “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.”

NYSPHSAA insists that fans treat referees with the respect they deserve. Huntington UFSD and its event personnel will hold fans to the highest possible standards of conduct. Blue Devil coaches and players are also held to very high standards of behavior at game and practice sites.

“Officials, just like student athletes and coaches, are critical to interscholastic sports programs,” according to NYSPHSAA’s expectation statement. “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.”