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SMCPS outlines fan behavior expectations and tiered response for winter sports
Summary
District athletics staff (presenting for Ryan Hanley) reviewed winter-sports spectator expectations, a tiered five-level response to misconduct, and enforcement details including possible removal and bans; officials and respectful conduct were emphasized.
A presenter, speaking for Ryan Hanley, asked the community to model sportsmanship and outlined expectations for fans and spectators as winter sports begin in December.
The presenter noted a successful fall with two state championships for Leonardtown (field hockey and boys soccer), high attendance across campuses (more than 24,000 people on SMCPS campuses this fall), and dominance in SMAC championships. He emphasized that officials are volunteers who ‘‘make mistakes’’ and asked parents and fans to respect officials and follow a 24-hour rule for raising concerns.
The district described a tiered response (levels 1–5) to spectator misconduct that ranges from small changes to attendance limits up to prohibiting spectators entirely for severe incidents. The district enforces a bag policy (SMAC policy) and warned that individuals could be removed from events or banned from future contests. The presenter encouraged community members to consider officiating as a way to support athletics.
Board members had no substantive questions recorded during this presentation.
