The University of Colorado's sportsmanship program, "Compete with Class" enters its fourth year with this Saturday's football match-up against Montana State at Folsom Field. Game time is 1:30 MST.
CU administrators hope that good sportsmanship prevails both in the trenches and in the stands. Compete with Class was initiated by the Big 12 for all its member schools and is an integral part of the effort.
The program addresses on-field, on-court and in-game behavior, as well as fan behavior through a Big 12 Spectator Code of Sportsmanship. The code includes issues such as negative comments to officials, interference with fans' ability to enjoy the game, bench decorum and the entrance and exit of opponents before and after games.
"I want our fans to be loud and proud, but at the same time it's important for them to properly represent our community in Boulder, our university and the ideals we stand for," said Coach Dan Hawkins. "I want them to show what it is to be a Buff."
Compete with Class messages will be placed in print ads, on posters and distributed through student emails. BuffVision game day messages will be aired asking for positive fan behavior. Questionable replays will not be shown, in accordance with Big 12 rules. Nothing will be run on video boards that is disrespectful to opponents or their fans.
Goalposts will continue to be removed as soon as possible after the end of football games, whether the game ends in victory or defeat. This policy was implemented by CU-Boulder in 1990, and the procedure at Folsom Field has become a model for other universities around the country.
New this year will be a telephone hotline for fan misbehavior that will be in place for the first Big 12 game against Baylor. In addition, a dedicated security supervisor will work the front of the student section and a dedicated security member will be assigned to the front of each student section for the entire game.
The number of field radios also has been increased for security communications. Video monitoring of stadium entry points, the field and stadium seats will begin well before game day events.
Prohibited items at Folsom Field include any alcohol, marshmallows, tortillas, whole fruit, gallon thermoses, ice chests, cans, glass and disposable bottles. No objects may be thrown, verbal abuse is not permitted and disorderly conduct will not be allowed. Fans are allowed to bring in non-disposable containers smaller than 1/2 gallon or 2 liters and one factory sealed bottle of water of less than 1 liter.
Marshmallows continue to be banned from Folsom Field because they can be "laced" with small batteries, rocks and quarters, making them much more dangerous projectiles. Gate staff offer an amnesty program in which prohibited items may be left at collection points without penalty if deposited before entering stadium gates.
Violators of stadium rules are in for some stiff penalties again this year. Fans may be denied access and may have tickets confiscated. They also may be ejected for the entire season and could be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution. If they are CU students they will be subject to Judicial Affairs referral.
Under CU-Boulder's revised alcohol policy, students may be suspended for an entire semester upon receiving a second alcohol-related offense, if already on probation for the first offense. That could mean the loss of more than $15,000 in tuition and room-and-board deposits for a non-resident student, or about $6,700 for a resident student.
Fans are reminded that any abusive behavior should be reported to a radio-equipped security staff or the police immediately.
Big 12 Spectator
Code of Sportsmanship
CU-Boulder subscribes to the Big 12 Spectator Code of Sportsmanship, which calls on the university, athletes and fans to:
o Recognize intercollegiate athletics as an important part of the student and alumni experience.
o Credit student athletes for their commitment to academic and athletic excellence and their efforts to compete within the rules of each sport.
o Promote the Big 12 athletic conference by upholding high standards of scholarship, competitive performance and spectator behavior.
o Develop an appreciation for fairness, openness and support of coaches and players.
o Avoid negative comments and gestures that dishonor the teams, their schools and the Big 12.
o Support conference partners competing against non-conference opponents.
o Support and encourage university spirit teams, marching bands and mascots.
o Respect the athletic history and traditions of each opponent.
o Treat spectators, players, coaches and officials courteously, win or lose.
o Apply these standards of sportsmanship and spectator behavior to individual campuses, stadiums, arenas and communities, and encourage alumni to do likewise.