Spectator Code of Conduct

Doane Academy Spectator Code of Conduct

Doane Academy is a member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, the Burlington County Scholastic League, and the New Jersey Independent Schools Athletic Association. As a member school, we adhere to their philosophies, policies, and by-laws so our student-athletes have the privilege of competition within these associations. Our coaches and staff are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations, informing athletes and parents, and enforcing the rules that apply to their programs. 

The NJSIAA’s Sportsmanship Rule/Policy requires that “high standards of courtesy, fair play and sportsmanship must be featured at association competitions . . . good sportsmanship, respect for rules, respect for others, and fair play, are basically the motives through which an interscholastic athletic program is justified and defended . . . unsportsmanlike conduct shall subject the individual to disciplinary action.”

Additionally, NJSIAA’s Mission, Vision and Values prioritizes a physically and emotionally safe and healthy playing environment and insists that good sportsmanship be exhibited at all times by athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators. 

This sportsmanship policy requires that all individuals involved in or attending the athletic and intramural programs sponsored by or involving Doane Academy exhibit sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is defined as abiding by the rules of the contest as defined or accepted by the participating teams. In exhibiting sportsmanship all participants and spectators shall: 

  1. Respect and follow the rules of the contest; 
  2. Recognize skilled performance of others regardless of affiliation; 
  3. Display respect for all individuals;
  4. Treat opponents in an empathetic manner; and 
  5. Congratulate opponents in victory or defeat

Unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  1. Any person (athletic department, staff member, student athlete, or a fan or spectator) who strikes or physically abuses an official, coach, player, spectator; or bystander;
  2. Any person (athletic department, staff member, student athlete, or a fan or spectator) who intentionally incites violent or abusive action; 
  3. Any person (athletic department, staff member, student athlete, or a fan or spectator) who uses obscene gestures or profane or unduly provocative language or actions towards officials, coaches, opponents, spectators; or bystanders;
  4. Any person (athletic department, staff member, student athlete, or a fan or spectator) who engages in harassing verbal or physical conduct which exhibits bias based on any of the protected categories listed at N.J.A.C. 6A:7-1.1(a);
  5. Any school or athletic staff member who is publicly critical of a game official, opponents, opposing coaches/players; spectators; or bystanders;
  6. Other conduct judged by the Athletic Director, Head of School, or designee to be unsportsmanlike in character; and
  7. Any violation of the rules of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. 

Failure to exhibit good sportsmanship may subject the individual to disciplinary action as detailed below and deemed appropriate by the Athletic Director, Head of School, or designee. 

  1. Any individual that is in breach of the sportsmanship policy may be reminded of the policy by event staff and warned of disciplinary actions. 
  2. If any individual does not comply, or exhibits egregious violations of the policy, they will be immediately removed from the event and school premises. 

Consequences for ejection from a contest for all participants: 

First Offense:

  • Two week ban from all athletic contests from the date of ejection. 
  • Ejection letter sent home. 

Second Offense: 

  • Ban from all athletic contests for the remainder of the current season.
  • Meeting with Athletic Director/Head of School
  • Mandatory completion of the NFHS Sportsmanship course which can be accessed at www.nfhslearn.com 
  • Return certificate of course completion to Athletic Director 

Third Offense: 

  • Ban from all athletic contests for the remainder of the school year and possibly longer. 
  • Meeting with Head of School and Athletic Director
  • Additional training courses prior to the ban being lifted. Proof of completion submitted to Athletic Director 

Doane Academy reserves the right to make adjustments to the consequences listed above if deemed necessary.

**ALL FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ THIS CODE OF CONDUCT.. WE EXPECT  THE HIGHEST OF STANDARDS BE UPHELD AT HOME AND AT AWAY CONTEST EVENTS BY FANS/SPECTATORS, ATHLETES, COACHES, PARENTS, FAMILIES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS.