NYSPHSAA Spectator Policy

View the NYSPHSAA Handbook

1. NYSPHSSA Spectator Expectations:
   Spectators are expected to “Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Positive.”  Spectators may be prohibited from attending current and future interscholastic contests based on their behavior. 
2. Spectator Regulation: Any negative, inappropriate, derogatory comments or actions that draw the direct attention of a supervisor or school administrator by a spectator or group of spectators are required to be addressed by the host school, Sectional or NYSPHSAA representative in the following non-sequential order depending on the comments or behavior:

• First warning – Directing the spectator or group of spectators to refrain from any negative comments or actions.
• Second warning – Discussion with spectator(s) about the NYSPHSAA expectations, and that the next step will be removal.
• Removal from the contest – Leave the facility for the duration of the event. Event will not continue until spectator(s) have left the premises.

Penalty for being removed from a game or event:

• Any spectator removed from a game or event will have a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential course or a one game suspension before they are allowed to attend any interscholastic event. Once the course is completed the spectator will provide a certificate of completion to the athletic department office. Schools are required to communicate with the offending spectator on the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship  Spectator Expectations.
• Depending on the severity of the behavior/comments or future disqualifications by the offending spectator NYSPHSAA and the Section may get directly involved in the situation.