Student Athlete Sportsmanship Statement-American Rivers Conference
Student-athletes of a member institution and individuals employed by, or associated with, that institution shall conduct themselves with honest and good sportsmanship. Their behavior shall at all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in the collegiate setting. For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education, and to promote civility in society, student-athletes, coaches, and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility. These values manifest themselves not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities that affect the athletics program.
On behalf of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Presidents’ Council, this memo is to ensure all student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials understand the conduct expectations in the A-R-C. Every stakeholder is expected to embrace the following key principles:
- Respect
• Show respect to your opponents and officials
• Respect the integrity and judgment of every official - Language
• Inappropriate and abusive language directed at others will not be tolerated
• There is no place for harassing comments or other actions that might humiliate others - Sportsmanship
• Each participant is expected to display good sportsmanship; gamesmanship will not be tolerated
• Officials are requested to use tools available to ensure that respectful communication and conduct occurs - Diversity
• All races, genders, backgrounds, and identities are equitably welcomed, supported, and included
• Create and maintain a safe environment for all
The conference membership requires student-athletes, coaches, and officials to manage behavior on the following types of unsportsmanlike actions, including, but not limited to:
- Profane, vulgar, threatening, obscene or derogatory remarks or personal comments relating to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability directed at or referring to any opposing
- player/bench personnel or game official.
- Taunting, baiting, ridiculing, finger pointing, trash talking or inappropriate gestures (obscene, provoking, and intimidating).
- Comments directed at or referring to any game official that questions the integrity of an official.
- Prolonged, negative responses to a call/no-call which is disrespectful or unprofessional and includes, but is not limited to: thrashing the arms in disgust, dramatizing contact by re-enacting the play, or running or jumping in disbelief over a call/no-call.
While the pursuit of victory is the goal of competition, it must be exercised within the best traditions of sportsmanship. A-R-C competitors should always demonstrate respect, practicing restraint in the face of varying levels of ability and modeling what it means to win with class and lose with grace. Any physical or verbal actions that do not align with conference values and expectations may result in warnings, ejections, or additional disciplinary review.
The A-R-C has a long and proud tradition of leadership in college athletics. We aim to continue that legacy by setting the example in every competition to ensure that this season will provide a great experience for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans.
Thank you for your continued efforts to support and enhance sportsmanship, integrity, and respect in the A-R-C.
Respectfully,
Mark Putnam, Central College President, Chair of A-R-C Presidents Council
Daniel Hammes, American Rivers Conference Commissioner
American Rivers Conference Operating Bylaws:
4. CHARACTER
4.1. Sportsmanship Statement
4.1.1. Student-athletes of a member institution and individuals employed by, or associated with, that institution shall conduct themselves with honest and good sportsmanship. Their behavior shall at all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in the collegiate setting. For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education, and to promote civility in society, student-athletes, coaches, and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values manifest themselves not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities that affect the athletics program.
4.2. Conduct of Student-Athletes and Coaches
4.2.1. It shall be the responsibility of each member institution to impress upon its student-athletes and coaches the importance of properly representing themselves and their institutions during the conduct of and participation in intercollegiate athletic competition. Flagrant misconduct by a student-athlete or coach shall subject the individual to disciplinary action by either or both the individual’s institution and the Conference. Acts of flagrant misconduct may include, but are not limited to, attempts at or actually striking or otherwise inflicting bodily injury on an official, opposing coach, or player(s); inciting a riot; and the use of obscene gestures or offensive language toward officials, opposing coaches, players, or spectators. Coaches of all athletic teams are reminded to supervise their squads when visiting other institutions. In cases of flagrant misconduct by a student-athlete or coach, the officials will notify the A-R-C Commissioner in writing and copies forwarded to the Athletic Directors of the institutions involved. The institution against which a complaint is made will notify in writing the A-R-C Commissioner and the Athletic Director of the opposing institution the nature of the disciplinary action taken.
4.3. Public Comment
4.3.1. Institutional staff members and student-athletes are strictly prohibited from making any public, negative comments regarding officials/umpires and all such concerns should be forwarded directly to the Commissioner and/or the respective
coordinator of officials.