Draft Statement on Sportsmanship Invitation to Comment

The President's Committee on Sportsmanship invites students, faculty and staff to attend the first Open Forum on Thursday, October 11, 2001, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. in the Atrium of the Stamp Student Union.

DRAFT: A STATEMENT ON MARYLAND SPORTSMANSHIP

FOUNDATIONS

The University of Maryland, College Park fully supports the principles and practices of sportsmanship adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Atlantic Coast Conference. It does so not only because it is a member of those organizations, but more importantly because the concept of sportsmanship embodies the principles on which this and other great universities have been established: the attainment and celebration of excellence, respect for and acceptance of those with whom we differ, and our commitment to the highest standards of integrity. Our campus mission statement, the President's Statement on Freedom of Expression, the Human Relations Code, and the codes of conduct for students, faculty and staff are the primary campus documents that embody these principles. As we articulate our goals for campus sportsmanship, we need to remember that sportsmanship in intercollegiate athletics must be connected to these broader campus values and standards of behavior. As administrators, faculty, staff, coaches, participants, and fans, our approach to intercollegiate athletics must be embedded in our notions of the rights and responsibilities that come with being a member of the campus community.

ATTAINING AND CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE. Whether it is grades, promotion and tenure, or graduation, our university is committed to the principle that the rewards it bestows should be granted on the basis of adherence to community standards. Our celebrations are the times when we recognize those who have excelled in meeting these standards and our ultimate goal -- acquiring and advancing knowledge. In sponsoring intercollegiate athletics, the university provides opportunities for students not only to achieve excellence in sports, but also to attain the life skills associated with participation in sports that will benefit them personally and professionally. It is entirely appropriate that we as a community enthusiastically support their efforts. In doing so we gain a source of campus unity and an appreciation of the commitment of student athletes to achieving personal excellence. Maryland sportsmanship implies, and perhaps requires, that we support our student athletes and c! oaches as they strive for excellence in the classroom and in their sport.

RESPECT. In an environment that celebrates diversity and freedom of expression, we must respect the opinions and rights of others. As the President's Statement on Freedom of Expression notes, our commitment to freedom of expression must not result in the denial of others' rights and/or the creation of an environment that discourages an individual's participation in campus life. Achieving the right balance amongst these sometimes conflicting interests is one of the most difficult challenges a civil society faces. In intercollegiate athletics, this balance can be achieved only by maintaining respect for the game, our teams, the opponent and our institution. We celebrate the contest and the spirit of competition, but must remember that the value of victory is measured by the esteem one holds for the opponent. Thus, sportsmanship entails respecting our student athletes and their opponents, as well as the officials and coaches, and fans. It means celebrating performance -- ! by either side. Our campus values require that respect -- for the game and our campus -- must be a fundamental component of our understanding of sportsmanship.

INTEGRITY. Acts that violate our integrity strike at the very heart of our campus. Whether it is plagiarism, cheating or fraud by students, faculty or staff, they cannot be tolerated. Increasingly, we have focused attention on the integrity of the educational enterprise and research. No less important is an intercollegiate athletics program that meets the highest standards of integrity. For this reason we have positioned ourselves as a leader in the NCAA certification process. Winning within the rules must be one of the components of our understanding of sportsmanship. Maryland sportsmanship means that administrators, coaches and participants must know the rules and be committed to following them.

TRANSLATING VALUES INTO ACTIONS

We offer the following to guide us toward an intercollegiate athletics program that reflects our shared values.

1.Administrators, Faculty and Staff

Strive to create an environment that reflects our commitment to civility, respect and community.

Develop a program for teaching and promoting the ideals and fundamentals of sportsmanship. Support and recognize coaches, athletes and fans who promote and display sportsmanship. Recognize exemplary behavior by participants, coaches and fans. Support the Maryland intercollegiate athletics program.

2. Coaches

Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow. Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship and insist that they behave accordingly. Speak publicly whenever possible about the importance of sportsmanship. Respect the judgment of athletic contest officials and abide by the rules of the event. Treat opposing coaches, participants and fans with respect. Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not meet our sportsmanship standards.

3. Participants

Treat opponents and fellow students with respect. Respect the judgment of contest officials and abide by the rules of the game. Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing your school and community.

4. Fans and Support Groups

Remember that a ticket of admission is a privilege to observe and support school activities.
Respect decisions made by contest officials.
Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams.
Respect all fans, coaches and participants.
Recognize outstanding performances by all participants.