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The Baraboo School District recently released to the public a Baraboo High
School Parent/Fan Code of Conduct that was developed this summer by students,
parents and coaches in that district. Much like our district's Community
Task Force, this community group met twice this summer to share ideas and
develop a plan - this one to address sportsmanship and a new code for school
sporting functions.
As reported in the Baraboo News Republic, some of the rules parents and
fans will now be expected to follow include:
*I will not coach my child or other players during games and/or practices.
I understand that I am the parent or fan and will leave the coaching to those
who have been entrusted with the position.
Now, I remember my mother yelling from the stands "PUT YOUR
HANDS UP!" as I stood under the bucket, waiting for a rebound. And I
wasn't the only one under the bucket. Something as harmless as this phrase
will no longer be allowed under the new code.
*I will refrain from undermining or spreading ill will by passing on gossip,
rumors, and innuendos which would or could destroy team morale or cohesiveness.
How does the school plan to address and enforce parent gossip? I sure have
heard a lot of it this summer, especially in Dodgeville...
*I, and my guests, will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike or disrespectful
conduct toward an official, coach, player or parent such as booing,
taunting or using profane or offensive language or gestures.
Under the new code at Baraboo, fans will not be allowed to voice their displeasure
at a bad call, even if it's simply by letting out a "boo!" Seriously?
*I will not post on any social media site negative, demeaning or derogatory
comments that may hurt, humiliate, threaten or intimidate any player, coach
or spectator.
Fans will somehow not be allowed to post anything negative about the
game on social media. I'm curious to see how this will be enforced.
*I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of
my personal desire to win.
*The code includes a list of decisions that will be made by coaches, at their
discretion. These are not to be discussed with parents. They are: playing time,
coaching style, game strategy (including substitutions), style of play, information
regarding a child other than your own and team awards.
I tend to think some of these rules in the code will be completely unenforceable,
and completely against my belief in the First Amendment - the
freedom of speech. Some of them I feel could really ruin the spirit of the
games too.
Read through them and decide for yourself.