North Jersey ADs call on NJSIAA to create spectator policy that addresses fan behavior
ROBBINSVILLE – Citing the rise in inappropriate behavior at high school events, a team of athletic administrators from the Big North and NJIC approached the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) on Wednesday about formalizing a conduct policy for spectators.
“It’s so frustrating where we’re at,” said Park Ridge athletic director Chris Brown. “We need to change the climate. Remember, attending our events is a privilege, if you can’t follow the rules, there should be consequences. We have a structure for our students and coaches, why should spectators be treated any differently?”
In a nutshell, the proposal, which was presented to the NJSIAA for the first time, calls for any fan ejected from an NJSIAA event to miss the next two games at that home site. A second violation would be four games. A third game would mean a year.
The proposal sparked a discussion among the NJSIAA Executive Committee members, who almost unanimously approved the concept of the policy, but did have some questions about whether the NJSIAA had the ability to create such rules, have the ability to enforce it, and whether fans could appeal the punishment.
Pt. Pleasant Borough Principal Kurt Karcich noted that some individual school districts already have fan spectator policies in place and wondered if an NJSIAA policy would supersede that. It was also suggested that the language be altered in the policy to note a two-game suspension “at minimum” for acts particularly heinous and also include verbiage where specific Boards of Education have the final say on any punishment.
NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire told the Executive Committee that a final proposal would be delivered in the coming months.
“Coming from you all, it sets the tone and sends a message,” said Maguire.
Brown and his fellow athletic directors noted that fan behavior is one reason why retaining and acquiring new officials for games is problematic. New Milford AD Joe Ricciardelli said he is having problems attracting candidates for coaching vacancies, believing coaches don’t want to deal with poor behavior by fans.
“We think we can show parents the way to handle themselves and they know there is a consequence, maybe this will put real teeth into it,” said Ricciardelli.
“If we can say ‘this is a state rule’ that changes things,” said Brown.
The NJSIAA has tried to promote good behavior by fans through social media and in-game messaging, but does not have an established statewide policy.
Establishing the policy and presenting it to spectators is one thing, but the ability to enforce it is another. Brown was asked if schools would have to have a “picture board” of fans who couldn’t attend future games. And there was some question about what happens when an AD or site manager isn’t there to witness an ejection.
While there are issues to figure out, there was clearly momentum Wednesday to get a spectator policy on the NJSIAA books.
“In my meetings with colleagues from around the country, a couple other states have adopted [policies],” Maguire said after the meeting. “I think California is in year two, where if you’re ejected, you’re banned from the next event. It’s a growing conversation when we are together.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJSIAA spectator policy: North Jersey ADs seeking plan for fan behavior
