In alignment with Section IX and NYSPHSAA, all spectators are expected to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and appropriate behavior at all times.
Spectator Expectations
All spectators must:
● Support teams using positive encouragement only
● Respect officials, coaches, student-athletes, team managers,
scorekeepers/timers, announcers and event personnel
● Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
● Follow all school rules (smoke-free, substance-free environment)
● Remain in designated spectator areas and not come onto the field unless asked to by the Athletic Trainer, Coach or Administrator
The following behaviors are NOT permitted:
● Taunting, booing, or negative chants
● Use of profanity or abusive language
● Disrespectful gestures toward officials, coaches, student-athletes, team managers, scorekeepers/timers, announcers and event personnel
● Unauthorized drones or artificial noisemakers (e.g., air horns, whistles)
● Throwing objects or entering the playing area
● There is no playing on practice/game fields during contests. Fields are used by teams to practice or compete under the supervision of a coach or by the community during hours when Interscholastic Athletics is not taking place and proper facility use forms are filled out and approved. Interscholastic athletics are an extension of the school day
● All Valley Central students attending as spectators must comply with all school rules and are expected to leave the premises within 10- 15 minutes of the contest concluding unless otherwise directed by event personnel, security, administration or police
Seating Expectations
● Home spectators: Main bleachers at the stadium field, separated from visiting spectators and behind the home bench
● Visiting spectators: Main bleachers at Stadium Field, separated from home
spectators and behind their team’s bench
● At lacrosse or flag football games (not in the stadium) please have chairs 3 to 5 feet off the side lines
● At baseball and softball fields 3 to 5 feet off the dead ball line. Please do not sit behind back stops as that distracts pitchers, catchers and umpires
● At all fields away and home spectators should sit in separate locations
● Follow all directions from event personnel, security or VC Administration regarding seating and movement
Enforcement of Conduct
To ensure a safe and respectful environment, the following will be enforced
1. Warning issued – Event Personnel, Security, School Administration
2. Removal from the event – Security, School Administration or Police
Failure to comply may result in:
● Removal from future Valley Central Athletics contests for a period determined by the administration (e.g., up to one calendar year)
● Additional school-based consequences
Event Personnel Responsibilities
Event staff will:
● Monitor spectator areas and circulate throughout
● Address concerns early and proactively
● Reinforce expectations in a calm and professional manner
● Ensure proper seating and safe conditions
● Involve security or administration when necessary
● Apply rules consistently to all spectators
Post-Contest Conduct
● Spectators are prohibited from engaging in any communication with officials, coaches, or players after the contest has concluded.
● Spectators should not negatively engage with one another during or at the
conclusion of a contest
● Please exit the fields/campus promptly and refrain from congregating near team transportation or locker room entrances
● Student-Athletes will be released to their parent/caregiver at the conclusion of a contest by the coach
Our Shared Goal
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all student-athletes, coaches and officials. Spectator behavior plays a vital role in achieving that goal.
Thank you for supporting our students and representing our school community with pride.