In June 2024, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Executive Committee unanimously passed a proposal that requires that member school districts adopt a spectator code of conduct policy during the 2024-2025 school year.
The proposal stems from increased reports concerning conduct by spectators and fans at interscholastic events. The conduct, which includes but is not limited to fighting, berating players and officials and using expletives and bias language, does not align to NJSIAA’s standards of courtesy, fair play and sportsmanship.
In an effort to promote good sportsmanship and ensure a healthy playing environment, the NJSIAA requires that all member school districts adopt a policy during the 2024-2025 school year that both prohibits certain conduct at interscholastic events, and also assesses disciplinary consequences for those who are determined to engage in prohibited conduct.
The NJSIAA’s May 8, 2024, memorandum outlines the policy requirements, which includes a list of prohibited conduct, immediate removal of a person from an event for violating the policy, other minimum disciplinary measures that include suspension from future events, a required educational component for violators, parent/guardian acknowledgement of the policy, and posting of the code of conduct at host venues.
To support the New Jersey School Boards Association’s membership in developing this policy, we are releasing a model policy aligned to the requirements of the NJSIAA’s May 8, 2024, memorandum. Recognizing each school district has different resources and different perspectives on how to best implement this policy, the model policy includes areas where the board can insert its own discretion regarding the prohibited conduct and/or the disciplinary response.
First, the model policy details specific conduct that is prohibited. The NJSIAA memo makes clear that districts can expand the list of prohibited acts. The model policy also includes disciplinary consequences that are the minimum requirements set by NJSIAA. Boards may consider disciplinary measures that are more stringent or severe than the minimum requirements contained in this model. For example, if a spectator has more than one violation, a district can assess a longer suspension and has the discretion to specifically identify the number of games for that suspension.
Next, the model policy allows a district to select the individual(s) responsible for suspension/removal decisions, along with options on the time period for determining how and when subsequent offenses will be calculated. Further, the model includes optional language relative to the severity or egregiousness of the conduct or how to address conduct that occurs at the end of a sport season or school year.
The Association recognizes that there is a myriad of options to consider here. Accordingly, the model policy is designed to meet the basic NJSIAA requirements, with the opportunity for development of administrative regulations, understanding that administrators may require practical details that align to each district’s unique resources and goals. We recommend consultation with board counsel regarding the development and adoption of this policy.
NJSBA released the update to Critical Policy Reference Manual that includes the model policy discussed above and identified as File Code 1112.4. Members can access the model policy, as well as the CPRM, by logging into the NJSBA Policy website, navigating to the CPRM, file code section 1000. Please direct any questions to the NJSBA via email.
