Principle 13 Community Engagement/ Game Environment

January, 2009 A model Division II athletics program will emphasize that a “family friendly” environment should exist at all athletics department events and shall be active in promoting community engagement activities. A model program shall promote and support a positive game environment that will encourage all student-athletes, coaches and fans to respect each other, practice civility, encourage teamwork and understand citizenship responsibilities during the conduct of intercollegiate practice and competitions. An athletics department should develop a policy on sportsmanship and fan behavior for home events. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee could provide leadership with the development of such a policy. (Learning, Service, Passion, Sportsmanship, Resourcefulness, Balance) 13

January, 2009 Community Engagement/ Game Enviornment Athletics department should develop a policy on sportsmanship and fan behavior for home events Emphasize a “family friendly” environment Include policy in student-athlete handbook, post signs in all venues, print flyers and distribute at all contests 13

January, 2009 Community Engagement/ Game Environment Send letter regarding sportsmanship expectations to student-athletes, parents and booster members Send a list of fan expectations to opponent’s athletics directors Use follow-up message to all visiting athletics directors a few days prior to contest Recognition of the “Class Act Award” Require professional PA announcers and repeat sportsmanship policy announcement 13

January, 2009 Community Engagement/ Game Enviornment Require cheerleaders display and model good behavior Approach offenders in a personal manner and utilize security as needed Anticipate potential problems – review seating, entrance and exit areas for fans, officials and teams; check for inappropriate signs and objects Adopt conference policies and shared expectations 13

January, 2009 Community Engagement/ Game Environment Start recruits with message of educational experience SAAC has developed this area as main initiative SAAC member reads sportsmanship statement prior to each athletic event Competing student-athlete joins member of opposing team to read statement SAAC Sportsmanship Banner visible 13

January, 2009 Community Engagement/ Game Environment Game management and operations are key Adequate campus security and police Provide “Notice” to fans by posting signs at events Train out of season coaches on crowd control techniques Coaches are held accountable for behavior of entire team Implementation of alcohol policy at athletic events 13

January, 2009 Community Engagement/ Game Environment Student-Athlete Handbook states department policy and all must sign with agreement to this policy Provide team educational sessions on what is appropriate Role play poor sportsmanship to define what is acceptable Emphasize class when creating an atmosphere Fund cheerleading at a level of accountability and make them lead 13

January, 2009 Citizenship, Sportsmanship & Leadership Champion Leadership Scholarship Program awards a scholarship based on leadership and service Vital components are community relations and engagement Rely on local donors so must represent them well Actively educate, Actively supervise, and Actively discipline when necessary! 13