National Sportsmanship, Fan Conduct, and Event Integrity Policy

I. Purpose & Core Philosophy

The National Federation of Middle School Sports (NFMSS) believes that education-based athletics are an extension of the classroom. The primary goal of middle school sports is to foster character, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy physical development.

Interscholastic events must provide a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators. Attending or participating in an NFMSS-sanctioned event is a privilege, not a right. All attendees are expected to represent their schools and communities with dignity.

II. Code of Conduct for Spectators & Fans

All spectators at NFMSS-sanctioned events must adhere to the following standards of behavior. Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal Abuse: Engaging in negative, disrespectful, or derogatory cheering, chanting, or signaling directed at players, coaches, school administrators, or game officials.
  • Targeting Officials: Berating, threatening, or continuously harassing sports officials. Decisions made by officials are final; public displays of anger or confrontation will not be tolerated.
  • Discriminatory Language: Utilizing profane, obscene, racist, sexist, or homophobic language, gestures, or epithets.
  • Disruption of Play: Throwing objects onto the playing surface, using artificial noisemakers (unless expressly permitted by sport-specific rules), or using laser pointers.
  • Physical Confrontation: Entering the playing area without authorization, or engaging in any form of physical altercation or threats of violence before, during, or after the contest.

III. Directives for Member School Administrators

Host school administrators and athletic directors bear the primary responsibility for event security and crowd management. To comply with national standards, member schools must:

  1. Assign Designated Supervision: Ensure visible administrative or staff presence dedicated solely to crowd supervision at all home events.
  2. Conduct Pre-Game Announcements: Read the official NFMSS Sportsmanship Statement over the public address system prior to the start of every varsity or sub-varsity contest.
  3. Establish Secure Zones: Maintain clear, separated boundaries between spectator seating, team benches, and official locker/changing rooms.

IV. Enforcement Protocols & Penalties

Failure to comply with this policy will result in immediate, tiered disciplinary action. Host site administrators and game officials have the full authority of the NFMSS to enforce these rules:

1. The Verbal Warning: Step 1: Notice.

For minor, non-violent infractions, a school administrator or event supervisor will issue a direct verbal warning to the disruptive individual, reminding them of the NFMSS Code of Conduct.

2.Immediate Ejection: Step 2: Removal.

If the behavior persists, or if the initial infraction involves physical threats, severe verbal abuse, or discriminatory language, the individual will be immediately ejected from the venue. The spectator must leave school grounds completely; they are not permitted to wait in parking areas.

3.Post-Event Reporting: Step 3: Documentation.

The host school’s Athletic Director must file an official Event Incident Report with the NFMSS central office within 48 hours of any spectator ejection, outlining the individual’s identity, the school they represent, and details of the offense.

4.Suspension & Review: Step 4: Sanctions.

Any spectator ejected from an NFMSS-sanctioned event is automatically suspended from attending the next two (2) scheduled contests (home or away). Repeat offenses or severe violations will result in a permanent ban from all NFMSS postseason and national events, and potential team or school fines.