It is a principle of the Association that student-athletes, coaches and all others associated with intercollegiate athletics adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. Consistent with this principle, the institution shall:
(a) Demonstrate that in the area of intercollegiate athletics, it is committed to these fundamental values of sportsmanship and ethical conduct;
(b) Have established a set of written policies and procedures in this area;
(c) Demonstrate that educational activities related to sportsmanship and ethical conduct exist for individuals and groups associated with the intercollegiate athletics experience; and
(d) Provide evidence that the effectiveness of activities in this area are monitored, evaluated and addressed on a continuing basis.
There are five main principles of sportsmanship: respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility. The NCAA recognizes the need to enforce these principles and insist that the athletes under their program follow these principles as guidelines. Sportsmanship is considered as essential as athletic ability, and the NCAA takes its policies on sportsmanship very seriously. The NCAA holds all of its member institutions to the same standards, and breaking any of the sportsmanship rules will result in disciplinary action.
1. Participants in intercollegiate athletics should display proper respect and courtesy, and maintain civility toward opposing coaches and student-athletes, game officials and spectators at all contests.
2. Coaches bear the responsibility of teaching the value of sporting conduct in both word and deed to their student-athletes. The use of foul or vulgar language is inconsistent with this responsibility, and is therefore strongly discouraged on the part of coaches and student-athletes alike.
3. There is no place in intercollegiate athletics for taunting, embarrassing, or humiliating an opponent or game official. Student-athletes who do so should be disciplined by their head coach in a timely manner. Coaches who do so should be disciplined by their administration in a timely manner.
4. NCAA member institutions shall refrain from making a public criticism of other member institutions, their personnel, the Conference in general, or any game officials.
5. Coaches and administrators shall make every effort to encourage their team in a positive manner.
6. Coaches and student-athletes should exercise self-control with game officials during competition and shall refrain from approaching officials at the end of a period or at the end of a contest to address them in a disrespectful manner, complain about an officiating call, or express their displeasure with the game official's performance.
7. Coaches and student-athletes must understand that competing in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege, not a right. Their behavior and attitude toward opponents, game officials and members of the media should reflect positively upon the institution they represent.
8. Institutional administrators are responsible for insuring that all parties involved in intercollegiate athletics - including student-athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, band members, cheerleaders, and mascots - are informed of the acceptable behavior that is expected of them and are aware of the consequences when failing to abide by the acceptable code of conduct.
9. Coaches and student-athletes should be encouraged to live up to their own highest personal standard of sportsmanship, even when their opponents may not. Personal accountability and respect for one's own standards must come first.
10. The responsibility to demonstrate and develop good character and sportsmanship should never be subordinated to the desire to win. The vital lessons and intrinsic value of sports are acquired through the competition and honorable pursuit of victory, rather than the outcome itself.
9. Coaches and student-athletes should be encouraged to live up to their own highest personal standard of sportsmanship, even when their opponents may not. Personal accountability and respect for one's own standards must come first.
10. The responsibility to demonstrate and develop good character and sportsmanship should never be subordinated to the desire to win. The vital lessons and intrinsic value of sports are acquired through the competition and honorable pursuit of victory, rather than the outcome itself.
Mercyhurst Code of Sportsmanship
1. We will acknowledge intercollegiate athletics as an important part of the student experience, and because of this, the attitudes reflected during athletic matches must be positive.
2 We will uphold high standards of scholarship, and competitive performance.
3. We will develop an appreciation for fairness, openness, and support of coaches and players.
4. We will avoid negative comments and gestures that purposefully dishonor the teams, their schools and our conference.
5. We will support and encourage our university spirit groups, pep bands and mascots.
6. We will respect the athletic history and traditions of our opponents.
7. We will always treat spectators, players, coaches and officials courteously, win or lose.
8. We will not at any time take part in any physical violence with our opponents, the officials, or the opposing team's spectators.
9. We will respect the reputation of Mercyhurst College, and work to maintain a sense of dignity with our athletics.
10. We will be committed to the highest sense of integrity encompassing every aspect of our behavior as members of the Mercyhurst Community.
11. We use the competitive spirit and sportsmanship we develop as teammates to do our best to become the very best. Our goal is to win while competing in a way that reflects our core values.
12. We will help our team members to maintain self-control and accept the outcome of each match, whether they win or lose.
13. We will encourage our team to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, or creed.
14. We will never forget the golden rule, which is: A true competitor is humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
