conform to standards consistent with sportsmanlike conduct. Please remember that everything you post is public
information, and derogatory, defamatory and otherwise inappropriate social media commentary may result in the
imposition of penalties.
2.5.2 NCHSAA Sports Wagering Position Statement - The NCHSAA opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports
wagering which has the potential to undermine the integrity of sports contests and jeopardizes the welfare of stu
dent-athletes and education-based athletics.
2.5.3 Conduct at Games - The NCHSAA has the power to penalize the school and its officials, the coach, bench
personnel, and the individual student-athletes in case sportsmanship is not observed. The penalty is to be decided
according to the seriousness of the incidents involved.
(a)
Police protection - A law enforcement officer in uniform shall be present at all high school varsity
football and basketball games and is recommended for soccer, lacrosse and baseball games, with
member schools using their own best judgment as to when and if police are needed in those sports.
(b)
School management is required to provide escort for officials off the field when law enforcement is
not there; and the NCHSAA has the authority to require schools to provide law enforcement officer
in uniform at games where it deems necessary.
(c)
Code of sportsmanship
(1)
It is recognized that public school interscholastic athletic events should be conducted in
such a manner that good sportsmanship prevails at all times.
(2)
It is therefore necessary that superintendents, principals and coaches be individually and
collectively responsible for taking every possible step to provide the physical arrangements
necessary to conduct such events and to promote good sportsmanship at every athletic
event.
(3)
These steps should include the provision of such things as safe and adequate facilities for
participants, spectators, and officials; the best possible officials for the events; and ade-
quate control of spectators, participants, and pre-game and post-game activities.
(4)
Every effort should be made to promote a climate of wholesome competition.
(d)
When a situation develops which indicates negligence on the part of school personnel to provide
conditions which meet minimum standards for the conduct of an athletic event, or when there is
evidence of poor sportsmanship, the superintendent and principal of each school involved shall be
expected to investigate and take necessary corrective action.
(e)
When the school or schools involved fail to take adequate action, the NCHSAA will investigate the
situation and take the action it deems appropriate.
2.5.4 Guidelines for Student-Athletes - Education-based athletics is an extension of the classroom. It is difficult
to learn the lessons expected through high school athletics in an environment that is lacking good behavior, sports
manship, and respect for all. Participation in education-based athletics is a privilege and student-ath- letes should
be aware that their behavior, both positive and negative, reflects not only on themselves but also on their school,
their community, and their family. Therefore, the following are expectations coaches and administrators should
ensure student-athletes abide by:
(a)
Student-athletes shall refrain from exhibiting surprise or irritation towards a call of an official.
Neither verbal nor physical responses are not acceptable behavior.
(b)
Student-athletes should not communicate with spectators within the contest venue, before, during
or after the contest.
(c)
Unsportsmanlike gesturing or verbal comments should be properly penalized with the student-
athlete being removed, disqualified, or ejected from the contest.
(d)
Substitutes on the bench should not be unsporting towards the student-athletes, opposing team,
spectators, or game officials.
2.5.5
Guidelines for Cheerleaders - Cheerleaders play an important role in creating better relations between
opposing supporters and make positive contributions to good spectator reaction at an athletic contest. Cheer-
leaders are to set the example for all spectators for how they should behave in support of their team. The following
are expectations pertaining to cheerleaders at NCHSAA contests:
(a)
All cheers shall be positive, not antagonizing.
(b)
Cheerleaders should remain silent when the opponent's cheerleaders are performing and during
free throws at basketball contests.
(c)
"Battling" between opposing cheerleading squads is prohibited.
2.5.6
Guidelines for Coaches - Coaches influence not only the conduct of student-athletes under their supervi
sion, but also the behavior of many spectators. They also are a reflection on the school, community and adminis-
tration. Therefore, the following are expectations for coaches during NCHSAA contests:
(a)
Coaches must be businesslike and professional at all times.
(b)
Coaches must ensure the post-game handshake is a positive end to any contest.
(c)
Coaches shall control all of their student-athletes - removing a participant who is creating trouble
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