One of the unique characteristics about sports, whether at the youth, high school, college or even professional level, is the way we conduct the games. In many ways, we separate those games from life – life doesn’t operate under strict rules the way sports does.

We expect those in sports to undertake their participation from an ethical perspective. That means we expect players, coaches and fans to respect their teammates, the opposing team and the game itself. That is the fundamental principle of sports.

But we have started to see unsportsmanlike behavior creep into our games. The demeanor on the sidelines and in the stands seems to be slipping. This unsportsmanlike behavior compromises a fundamental principle of sports. It not only disrespects the participants but, because it disrespects the game, it threatens the entire enterprise.

It simply isn’t acceptable to act that way. Some people say if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying hard enough. Well, that’s wrong. It’s not only morally wrong, but it puts at risk the very games we are conducting. Sportsmanship is a basic principle of staging fair contests. If you don’t have fair contests, why are you engaged in the enterprise at all? In that way, sportsmanship cuts to the heart of what we’re doing.

Part of the home-crowd advantage is that fans cheer their team and boo their opponents – that’s part of the game. But fans going overboard and being abusive toward the opponents is wrong. While it might be protected under freedom of speech, it disrespects the players on the fields and courts and disrespects the games. The home team doesn’t want that behavior and neither does the home team’s coach.

People in the stands sometimes exaggerate what they think helps the home team, and then those actions are publicized and make their way to other teams’ fans who say why don’t we do it, too, or even something a step beyond? Before you know it, isolated behavior turns into a trend.

Home-team coaches and administrators are obligated to ask fans to respect the game and its participants. We want fans to be exuberant, but we also want them to be respectful.

Sportsmanship is tantamount to respect for the game and for the participants on both sides. College sports is a special endeavor, and good sportsmanship reinforces its special role.

– Myles Brand, NCAA President