The American Southwest Conference Council of Presidents recently approved a “no-tolerance” statement to be issued to ASC student-athletes, coaches, game officials and administrators.

The statement, recommended by the conference’s faculty athletics representatives and directors of athletics, reads: “The American Southwest Conference recognizes no tolerance for offensive language or offensive gestures and behaviors at all athletics venues.”

The statement concerning conduct at institutional and conference athletics events is immediately effective.

“Concern about use of offensive language and tolerance of unsporting behaviors by persons involved in athletics contests – participants, officials and administrators – was raised by the FAR-AD group,” said ASC Commissioner Amy Carlton. “The statement was crafted to express to all parties that the conference membership is serious in its efforts to improve sportsmanship and the atmosphere of the contests.

“Unsporting behavior, language and gestures do not add any value to the competition or the persons involved in the contest.”

Educational materials from the NCAA’s “Respect: It’s the Name of the Game”  initiative will be used on ASC member campuses.

Game officials will be notified of the ASC statement through their respective game assignors. Printed materials outlining the ASC sportsmanship and conduct policies and procedures will also distributed to game officials through a program funded by Division III strategic-initiative grants.