By Ryan Hedrick
Morning News Express weekdays from 5 – 9 a.m.
A bulletin released by Frederick County Public Schools reminds fans attending tonight’s Frederick Cadets varsity football game about their responsibilities in the stands.
Last week, during Frederick High’s game against Middletown High, a fight between two unidentified teen girls prompted authorities to pause the game and evacuate the stadium.
“FCPS has great sports programs and has the expectation that spectators are there to enjoy watching the game safely,” Board President Brad Young told WFMD. “Incidences like what happened at the Frederick High football game recently will not be tolerated.”
The district said the incident did not involve players on the field. The game concluded with no spectators.
“Violence in the stands is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the district added. “School discipline and even criminal charges can be issued because of behaviors such as what occurred last Friday.”
A Fan’s Responsibilities:
Show respect for the opponent at all times. The opponent should be treated as a guest, greeted cordially on arriving, given the best accommodations and offered tolerance, honesty and generosity.
Show respect to the officials. Officials should be recognized as impartial arbitrators who are trained to do their job and who can be expected to do it to the best of their ability.
Know, understand and appreciate the rules of the contest. A familiarity with the current rules of the game in recognition of their necessity for a fair contest is essential.
Maintain self-control at all times. A prerequisite of good sportsmanship requires one to understand his/her own bias or prejudice and to have the ability to recognize that rational behavior is more important than the desire to win.
Recognize and appreciate skill and performance regardless of affiliation. Applause for an opponent’s good performance is a demonstration of generosity and proper sportsmanship.
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