Group seeks additional forums

The NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct at its most recent meeting prepared for a follow-up to the Sportsmanship and Fan Behavior Summit staged nearly three years ago.

Meeting November 7-8 in San Francisco, the committee discussed assembling key groups interested in continuing to address the issues of sportsmanship and fan behavior. The initial summit took place in February 2003 and included 150 participants representing intercollegiate athletics, education and government entities.

Chris Reynolds, senior associate director of athletics at Indiana University, Bloomington, and chair of the committee, said that while the group does not anticipate the follow-up event will take the form of another summit, there is enough interest within each NCAA division to consider hosting division-specific discussions on the topic.

The group also spent time reviewing its mission and core purpose and its role in ensuring that those who display unsportsmanlike behavior are held accountable. Two subcommittees were created to carry out that charge. A strategic-planning subcommittee was established to develop and promote strategies that advance sportsmanship awareness, initiatives and practices throughout the Association. The accountability subcommittee will focus on identifying misconduct, as well as exemplary behavior worthy of committee action. It also will develop accountability standards and identify resources for promoting sportsmanship.

In addition to the establishment of the two subcommittees, the committee acknowledged that it consistently receives reports of unsportsmanlike behavior and requests to intervene. The group confirmed its desire to have a stronger presence in and serve as a resource to the membership in matters related to sportsmanship and ethical behavior.

"The committee does have a process in which the committee chair contacts the institution and the commissioner of its conference in an effort to stay informed of actions that are being taken in incidences of unsportsmanlike behavior. We want to know what the outcomes were, regardless of whether it is a local, regional or national issue," said Reynolds. "We want to be a resource for NCAA members on this issue and we encourage schools and conferences to take advantage of our knowledge and services."

Also, to update administrators on the most recent advances and information on risk management and stadium security, the committee is sponsoring a session called "Current Trends in Fan Behavior" in Indianapolis January 6 during the 100th annual NCAA Convention.

In other actions, the group provided feedback on an online tool kit that will provide links to resources designed to assist the membership in encouraging good sportsmanship and fostering a collegial environment. The committee also discussed its partnership with Varsity Brands, which maintains oversight of spirit groups such as cheer teams, bands and dance teams, to assist in creating positive environments at intercollegiate athletics contests. Varsity Brands is expected to contribute a set of best practices for spirit groups to observe.

The committee also received a heads-up about a bus tour called "betonsports.com" that is making stops at various campuses across the nation. As part of a tour, students and others in the surrounding area are able to place bets onsite. Reynolds said the committee strongly discourages participation in this promotion.