Cheer Fans,
On behalf of the member schools of the Dogwood and James River Districts, the Central High School Administration, students, and staff welcome you to this VHSL Competition.
We hope all of the teams perform well and that everyone enjoys the event. Good sportsmanship is a top priority of the VHSL. The manner in which your school and community are represented is far more important than whether your team wins or loses the games they play here. ALL of the teams in this year’s competition should be proud of their accomplishments, and you, as parents, students and team followers should be equally proud and supportive of them as they chase their dream.
Good sportsmanship is all about respect – respect for oneself, for teammates and coaches, for opposing players and coaches, for contest officials, and for the game. Inappropriate behavior is easy to identify. One need ask only two questions:
1. Is the observed behavior respectful of the targeted audience?
2. Does the observed behavior reflect positively on your school?
If the answer to either question is no, then the behavior is inappropriate and must not be tolerated. Respect for participants and coaches of participating teams, game officials and tournament personnel must be a priority at all times and in all situations. Much of the behavior you see televised at college games is inappropriate at ANY level, but most especially at the high school level. The following list, though not inclusive, provides examples of behaviors that are disrespectful and thus unsportsmanlike.
.. Not standing attentively during the National Anthem – this is disrespectful.
.. Booing anyone – this is disrespectful
.. Taunting or baiting anyone – this is disrespectful
.. Singling out an opponent and yelling personal remarks – this is disrespectful
..Making inappropriate gestures or sounds toward anyone – this is disrespectful
.. Using profanity toward anyone – this is disrespectful
.. Using racial, ethnic or other slurs – this is disrespectful
.. Throwing things onto the court or toward others – this is disrespectful and dangerous
The responsibility for good sportsmanship rests with each and every one of us. One person behaving inappropriately can ruin the competition experience for everyone. Cheer for your team, but respect the other teams and the event officials. Be a fan, not a fanatic. Remember, good sportsmanship is all about respect. Win with humility; lose with grace; do both with dignity.
In an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of our guests, participants, and staff, and the quality of the competition, the following items are NOT allowed at VHSL Events:
Alcohol, Food, Beverages, Umbrellas
Backpacks Sport Bags Coolers, Bottles, Cans
Weapons (of any kind) ,Empty Containers
Laser Pointers ,Artificial Noise Makers , Banners/Flags on sticks or poles
Allowable Items: All bags and allowable items subject to search
.. Artificial noisemakers are prohibited by NFHS Rules at indoor events. This includes (but is not limited to) bells, whistles, thunder sticks, clappers, megaphones (except cheerleaders), horns, etc.
.. Body paint will not be permitted. Face painting is acceptable if done prior to entering the event venue.
No containers/products for face painting will be permitted in the stadium/arena.
.. Bare chests will not be permitted – individuals must remain clothed!
.. In the interest of safety, NO ONE will be permitted on the Court or Mat at the end of the competition. The floor is for the teams, coaches, and event officials.
.. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Fans that are disruptive, abusive or otherwise
inappropriate will be escorted from the building. This includes individuals who choose to sit among
fans from another team – if you are disruptive and/or disrespectful, you will be asked to leave.
Under no circumstances are “Flash” photographs to be taken during the teams’ competitive routines.
Seating on the court is for the teams, coaches, judges, and event officials. All fans must be seated in the bleachers. Each school will be allotted a designated section. Handicapped seating is available.