Fans asked to behave at future Gainesville/Hall County athletic events

GAINESVILLE - On Thursday, December 20, 2001, Hall County Superintendent Dennis Fordham and Gainesville City Superintendent Steven Ballowe held a joint meeting with their high school principals to address the issue of spectator behavior at athletic events. The meeting was prompted by disturbing incidents that occurred during the North Hall-Gainesville game at this year's Lanierland Basketball Tournament, in which personal insults hurled by the opposing student bodies resulted in students being ejected and an incident after the game involving students.

During the course of the December 20, 2001 meeting, the principals and superintendents were of one mind in saying that when the events in the stands gain more attention than the events on the court, serious corrective measures are in order. Specifically, the administrators adopted a joint resolution that says cheers or gestures containing personal insults and/or profanity will not be tolerated, nor will jumping in unison on bleachers which could impact safety. Whenever inappropriate behavior is begun, the administrator of the students responsible will step in and take immediate action to stop it. The corrective action may include having offending spectators removed from the premises for unacceptable behavior with the additional consequence of possible suspension from future contests.

Furthermore, prior to the start of future athletic contests, a public address announcement will be made regarding appropriate behavior by spectators with emphasis on good sportsmanship.

In conclusion, the superintendents and high school principals of both systems desire to put measures into place so that people in our community can go to athletic contests with the assurance that the focus of the competition will be on the field or on the court, not in the stands. Support, not only from the students, but also from the parents, will be essential for these measures to have the desired effect.

Public Address Announcement:
"Tonight's contest is for the entertainment and enjoyment of all spectators and athletic participants. Spectators and players will be expected at all times to observe rules of good sportsmanship and common courtesy. Verbal taunting, inappropriate gestures, and use of profanity will not be tolerated. Thank you for your cooperation and we hope you enjoy the game."