Bismarck Public Schools went on the offensive last week before the Class AA Boys and Girls State Basketball Tournament in Bismarck. It issued a statement urging respectful fan behavior at sporting events.
The statement was prompted by recent reports in the state of racial harassment of players. The North Dakota High School Activities Association has been working for more than a year to improve fan behavior and put in place penalties for those who don’t follow the rules.
So far, there have been no reports of fan misbehavior during the state tournament. That’s good. However, there have been reported instances of misbehavior since a Jamestown-Bismarck High game last year during which two BHS Native American players were racially taunted.
The NDHSAA board approved tougher rules to crack down on racist language and behavior. Under the rules any racist slur will result in removal from the facility. The rules also require fans to wear appropriate clothing.
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The Jamestown incident also resulted in the parents of the two players filing a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The complaint is still being investigated.
Last month some St. Mary’s fans dressed up as cowboys during a game with the Mandan Braves. Concerns were raised over what was considered racially insensitive mockery of Mandan. St. Mary’s officials said students were taking part in a theme night and had no ill intent. But St. Mary’s put in place a formalized policy for prior approval of theme nights going forward.
There have been other instances of insensitive behavior whether intended or not.
This doesn’t mean North Dakota students have developed a racist streak. It’s rowdy behavior that also can be seen during televised college basketball games. Social media often highlights poor fan behavior. And, unfortunately, some of the racist behavior is learned at home.
The NDHSAA has developed a zero tolerance policy with violators being ejected from game site facilities. The association also has been working with its TV partner, WDAY, to create “Be the Change” sportsmanship public service announcements. The announcements feature clips of students from around the state making points about good fan behavior. They’re played at all state tournaments.
The NDHSAA believes the clips have been effective.
This needs to be an ongoing effort. Fans — students and adults — aren’t going to change their ways after seeing one video. They need to learn that making fun of an athlete because of race, religion or any other personal trait has no place in sports.
If fans learn and practice good sportsmanship it might trickle down into other parts of society, and we will all be better off for it.
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