University encourages code of conduct at games

Athletic Department asks students to abide by guidelines set forth by SoCon

Jay Dorne / News Editor

The men’s basketball game between Elon and The Citadel Feb. 9 was momentarily stopped when a player for The Citadel had to be restrained after attacking a taunting Elon student. The incident resulted in both individuals being removed from the building.

This issue of free speech at college sporting events has gained national recognition this month through media coverage of the incidents at the University of Maryland that included the televising of obscene language. However, issues of civil liberties and institutional discipline apply differently at Elon.

“Since Elon is a private institution, we have the flexibility to establish guidelines in regard to student conduct at athletic events,” said Jana Lynn Patterson, associate dean of students.

Head basketball coach Ernie Nestor expressed dissatisfaction at the actions of both the student and the player, but said he believes players should be held to a higher standard.

”Players not only represent themselves, but also their teammates and their institution,” said Nestor. “Our games are family activities and we have standards of decent behavior.”

Elon abides by a code of conduct set forth by the Southern Conference as well as a code encouraged by the Athletic Department, according to Tripp Durham, assistant athletics director for marketing, promotions and home game management. He indicated that a section of the Southern Conference code is read before each home game.

According to the code, “The Southern Conference encourages and promotes good sportsmanship by student athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or sexist comments and other intimidating actions directed at officials, student athletes and coaches will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition.”

“Our athletic department code encourages for our events to be conducted with integrity and class in order to lead with a positive message,” said Durham. “It concerns me when more negative energy is spent knocking the other team than positive energy uplifting our players.”

Nestor expressed the importance of a positive atmosphere in winning games and stated that negative attitudes towards the opposing team do not have a positive affect on the home team.

“Athletes are competitive beings. Any type of taunting will only propel them to higher levels of performance,” said Nestor, who indicated his players feel the same way at away games.

“When we are on the road, fans poke fun and root for their home team. It inspires us to do more to beat them,” said freshman guard Brian Jones. “We can’t go get in the faces of the fans. It’s a give and take relationship.”

Durham indicated that they are taking the occurrence as an isolated incident and will continue to encourage positive sportsmanship at games.

“I don’t think it’s a serious problem for schools in the conference,” said Steve Shutt, associate commissioner for public affairs for the Southern Conference, who described the incident as an anomaly.

Durham said he believes the key to developing a positive atmosphere at athletic events lies in the fan base accepting ownership as our sports programs continue to grow.

“If fans take ownership for their teams, they will want to conduct themselves in a positive manner. I think in the next two to three years we should see this happen,” Durham said.