Conduct Important At High School Games

As another school year begins, is it possible to address personal behavior at sporting events without being offended?

I think so, and I'll go first. Remember, we're targeting the few pinheads who pop up every year and not the vast majority whose conduct is exemplary.

Media Manners

Hey, guys, don't show up to a game expecting everyone to be blown away by your presence. Ask for things, don't demand them. And don't treat the hospitality room, if there is one, as your own personal buffet line.

Remember, we're visitors. If we receive anything more than a roster and place to work we should be grateful. Conversely, it would be much appreciated if school officials didn't try to cram all of us into an area the size of a fitting room.

Parental Guidance

What would the games be without the loving support and encouragement from the parents of the players?

An improvement, if you asked the administrators at one high school, who barred the doors to fans last year because of unruly behavior. That's an extreme response, but it doesn't take much to ruin it for everyone.

If you're constantly standing up and shouting negative remarks, you're a distraction. If your child turns and notices, you're an embarrassment. If you leave the stands to confront an official, you're going to be asked to leave. Or arrested.

If you think people can't do without your commentary or humor, try the comedy club. They're always looking for stand-up talent.

Flag Men

There's a reason officials are more unpopular than Bernie Madoff.

Referees only interpret the rules, but there were so many fouls called in high school basketball games last year that many of them became excruciatingly slow and difficult to watch. A friend suggested to me that players call their own fouls like they do in pick-up games.

I kind of like that idea.

Few things irritate me more in football than a referee who calls holding in the backfield when the runner is already 10 yards upfield. Or, when interference is called on every other pass play.

So, what is the "point of emphasis" in calling games this year, guys? Never mind, I'm sure I'll find out soon enough.

Just remember games should be decided on the quality of the coaching, the ability of the players, and not by some phantom flag or foul call by an overzealous official.

Anger Management

No coach of a losing team likes to answer questions from reporters shortly after a game, especially if he or she is upset. If a coach needs a timeout to cool down, take it. If a coach needs to talk with the team first, please do. But, eventually, I'd like an interview from the coach and time is precious with deadline approaching.

I was waiting on a coach years ago when his wife asked, basically, if I could come back tomorrow. Sorry, m'am, but no matter how wonderful your husband is, I am not interested in coming back the next morning to discuss the game over coffee and bagels.

I'll accept any quote after a game from "no comment" to "get away from me." I've received both and was glad to have them.

Story Lines

Sports reporters at this newspaper enjoy writing articles on the athletes from the teams we cover. We make those decisions by watching the games and discussing story ideas in our weekly staff meetings. So, it's not going to do any good for parents to repeatedly contact the sports department asking for stories on their children.

If your son or daughter is good enough, the college coaches will find them.

Again, this discussion is directed at the very few and not the vast majority of people involved in high school athletics. Some just need a refresher course, myself included.

I'm sure we can all agree that the high school years can be among the best times in a person's life. It's up to us, the adults, not to spoil it for them.

RICK FIRES IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR NWA NEWSPAPERS

Sports on 08/24/2014

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