The NCAC has announced a new sportsmanship rule that is to "support positive fan behavior and eliminate the negative." According to the new rule, fans are prevented from rushing the field after a big football win, rushing the court after a big basketball win, and rushing onto the playing field and disrupting play.
As you may already know, a big tradition at Wabash is rushing the field or court after games and proudly singing, "Old Wabash." One of the big questions left unanswered by the sportsmanship initiative is, "What is classified as unsportsmanlike rushing of the field?"
According to Brent Harris, Sports Information Director, the rule is not going to hinder any of the traditions. "The rule was put in place to prevent any kind of situations from escalating," he said.
Harris recalled numerous incidents when fan violence occurred on the playing field after big games. He also stated, "The rule is, really, an extension of the Gentlemen’s Rule. It gives the fans the responsibility to act responsibly and rationally." Harris also mentioned that rule was not put in place to come down any school in particular. It was simply put in place to remind fans that they are there to cheer their team on and not to stop play in any way.
Coach Chris Creighton, Wabash’s head football coach emphasized that sportsmanship is a big part of athletics.
"Sportsmanship is something that everybody, fans and players alike, should abide by," Creighton said. As far as what is expected from the fans, "Wabash fans should be classy, be loud, and be proud like they always are," Creighton said.
He also expects the traditions of singing the school song before the game in the stands, and singing it after wins to continue. The sportsmanship rule is not meant to keep schools from participating in their own traditions. It is merely a guideline for fan behavior.
As far as the rule being enforced, it will be the responsibility of each host school. The bottom line is, if you use proper judgment in the stands there will be no problems. The mission statement of the rule reads, "In a unified effort to promote respect for student-athletes, coaches, and officials in intercollegiate athletics, the North Coast Athletic Conference and its 10 member institutions pledge their commitment to build positive spirit in the stands and on the fields of our athletic events."
Wabash is full of spirit and traditions, and according to the new sportsmanship initiative, there is nothing to worry about. Wabash fans will still be loud, proud, and classy.