Coker College has adopted a “Fan Code of Conduct” to align with the Division II game-environment initiative.

Director of Athletics Tim Griggs said the idea of creating a standard code for home contests gives game managers, security personnel and campus police “a standard by which to judge the expectations of fans at athletics contests.”

The code states that fans have a right to watch the game in a safe, clean and healthy environment and be treated in a courteous, consistent and professional manner.

The code also cites the following expectations for fans:

• Cheer, sing, and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, referees, and fans and players of the opposing team.
• Enjoy the game experience free from fighting, throwing objects, attempting to enter the playing field, and disorderly behavior (including foul, sexist, racial, obscene or abusive language or gestures).
• Comply with requests from athletics facilities staff regarding policies and emergency-response procedures.
• Conduct themselves in a lawful manner to avoid incidents in the athleticsfacilities and in the parking lots.

Sanctions for noncompliance include ejection, loss of future single-game or season admission, and arrest.

Griggs said the code and its inclusion in game programs evolved from brainstorming sessions about how to create a better game environment at Coker contests.

“We started with our own student-athletes during their initial NCAA certification meetings,” said Griggs, who also is a member of the Division II Management Council. “We met with each team and explained these expectations. We explained to our athletes that they will be good examples and will also be held to the same standards. We also had a staff meeting with our coaches to ask them to help us hold fans and their student-athletes accountable to this code of conduct.”

Griggs said the code likely will be modified and improved upon over time. Initial reaction, though, from student-athletes, coaches and staff has been positive.

“At the end of the year, we will re-evaluate the code and see how effective this policy has been in order to determine if changes are necessary,” he said.

The Coker code of conduct was featured on the Division II game-environment Web site as an “idea that works.”