When the CU Buffs thunder onto Folsom Field Sept. 4th, they'll be greeted by kinder, gentler fans, as will their opponents, the officials and visiting fans. At least that's the goal of CU-Boulder's new "Compete with Class" sportsmanship campaign.
Initiated by the Big 12 Conference in fall of 2003, the Compete with Class program addresses on-field, on-court and in-game behavior, as well as fan behavior through a Big 12 Spectator Code of Sportsmanship. It includes issues such as negative comments to officials, interference with fans' ability to enjoy the game, bench decorum and the entrance and exit of opponents before and after the games.
"The guiding principles of sportsmanship at the University of Colorado have never really changed," said Ron Stump, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs. "We expect our players, our students, our alumni and our visitors to treat each other with respect and dignity. Playing by the rules isn't just for athletes on the field."
At football games, fans will be reminded to obey sportsmanship rules via stadium public address announcements to be broadcast prior to each game. During the first timeout of each first quarter, a video BuffVision feature will be shown asking for positive fan behavior. Questionable replays will be replayed at full speed, but not in slow motion. Nothing will be run on video boards that is disrespectful to opponents or their fans.
Goalposts will continue to be removed as soon as possible after the end of football games, whether the game ends in victory or defeat. This policy was implemented by CU-Boulder in 1990, and the procedure at Folsom Field has become a model for other universities around the country.
In addition to game-day activities, sportsmanship messages are being directed toward students and fans via newspaper advertising during home game weeks. Promotional posters will be distributed on campus and e-mail messages will be sent to students via campus communications. Player testimonials about sportsmanship will be integrated into print advertising.
Halftime activities are being considered that will have greater appeal to the student audience, including national champion recreation center teams such as the cycling and ultimate Frisbee teams, student athletic and academic award winners and famous young alumni.
In addition, fans will be reminded of the rules at Folsom Field via newspaper advertising and signage. Prohibited items include any alcohol, marshmallows, tortillas, whole fruit, gallon thermoses, ice chests, cans, glass and disposable bottles. No objects may be thrown, verbal abuse is not permitted and disorderly conduct will not be allowed. Fans are allowed to bring in non-disposable containers smaller than 1/2 gallon or 2 liters and one factory sealed bottle of water of less than 1 liter.
Marshmallows have been banned from Folsom Field because some fans have chosen to put small batteries, rocks and quarters into them, making them a much more dangerous projectile. Fan injuries prompted the ban. The CU Police Department offers an amnesty program of sorts. Prohibited items may be left at collection points without penalty if deposited before entering stadium gates.
Violators of stadium rules are in for some stiff penalties this year. Fans may be denied access and have tickets confiscated. They may be ejected for the entire season, subject to arrest and criminal prosecution and -- if they are CU students -- subject to Judicial Affairs referral.
Under CU-Boulder's revised alcohol policy, students may be suspended for an entire semester upon receiving a second alcohol-related offense, if already on probation for the first offense. That could mean the loss of more than $14,000 in tuition and room-and-board deposits for a non-resident student, or $6,000 for a resident.
Fans are reminded that any abusive behavior should be reported to a radio-equipped security staff or the police immediately.
Big 12 Spectator
Code of Sportsmanship
CU-Boulder subscribes to the Big 12 Spectator Code of Sportsmanship, which calls on the university, athletes and fans to:
* Recognize intercollegiate athletics as an important part of the student and alumni experience.
* Credit student athletes for their commitment to academic and athletic excellence and their efforts to compete within the rules of each sport.
* Promote the Big 12 athletic conference by upholding high standards of scholarship, competitive performance and spectator behavior.
* Develop an appreciation for fairness, openness and support of coaches and players.
* Avoid negative comments and gestures that dishonor the teams, their schools and the Big 12.
* Support conference partners competing against non-conference opponents.
* Support and encourage university spirit teams, marching bands and mascots.
* Respect the athletic history and traditions of each opponent.
* Treat spectators, players, coaches and officials courteously, win or lose.
* Apply these standards of sportsmanship and spectator behavior to individual campuses, stadiums, arenas and communities, and encourage alumni to do likewise.