Sportsmanship

A part of the philosophy of the Intramural Sports program is that good sportsmanship is vital to every intramural contest. In order to encourage proper conduct during games, officials, supervisors and administrative personnel shall make decisions to warn, penalize or eject players, teams and/or spectators for poor sportsmanship. These decisions are final. In addition, the intramural sports program has adopted a sportsmanship code and rating system in order to improve sportsmanlike behavior in intramural sports contest. The following rules of sportsmanship will be enforced.

 

Prohibited Conduct

No player, coach or spectator shall:

  • Use abusive language, threaten or abuse any other player or intramural sports employee before, during, or after any intramural contest.
  • Participate in a game for which he or she is ineligible.
  • Argue with the game official. Only the captain may address (courteously) the game official concerning the interpretation of a rule.
  • Intentionally strike, shove, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct towards another player or intramural sports employee.

Fighting

Under no circumstances will fighting be tolerated. Participants involved in any fighting shall be immediately removed from the contest and subject to further disciplinary actions. (See Mandatory Penalties)

Spectators and Equipment

Team captain(s) are responsible for his/her own spectators and equipment. Spectators are subject to the policies and regulations of the Intramural Sports program. (See Mandatory Penalties)

Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse of intramural sports employees will not be tolerated. The University of Southern Mississippi specifically prohibits the use of grossly abusive language that insults, taunts or challenges another person. This includes swearing, obscenities and epithets directed at an individual's race, color, ethnic identity, religion or sex. Participants should refrain from using language that which is personally abusive, degrading and insulting.

Alcohol or Drug Use

Alcoholic beverages and drugs are not permitted on or in the vicinity of intramural sports contests or facilities on University property.  Participants who are considered to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate in intramural sports contests.

Sportsmanship Rating System

A sportsmanship rating will be given to teams after each contest by the Intramural Sports supervisor and officials.

A (4.0)

Excellent Conduct and Sportsmanship

Players cooperate with the intramural staff officials and other team members. The captain calmly converses with the intramural staff and officials about interpretations and calls. The captain also has full control of his or her teammates and spectators.

B (3.0)

Good Conduct and Sportsmanship

Team members complain about some decisions made by intramural staff or officials or show minor dissension which may or may not receive an unsportsmanlike penalty (technical foul, yellow card). Teams that receive one unsportsmanlike penalty will receive no higher than a "B" rating.

C (2.0)

Average Conduct and Sportsmanship

Team shows verbal dissent towards intramural staff, officials or the opposing team, which may or may not receive an unsportsmanlike penalty (technical foul, yellow card). Captains exhibits minor control over his or her teammates and spectators. Teams that receive two unsportsmanlike penalties will receive no higher than a "C" rating.

D (1.0)

 Below Average Conduct and Sportsmanship

Teams constantly commenting to the intramural staff, officials or opposing team from the field or sidelines. The team captain exhibits little or no control over teammates, him or herself and spectators. Teams receiving more than two unsportsmanlike penalties or having a player ejected due to unsportsmanlike conduct will receive no higher than a "D" rating.

F (0.0)

 Poor Conduct and Sportsmanship

Team is completely uncooperative. Captain has no control over teammates or him or herself. Any team causing a game to be forfeited by result of unsportsmanlike behavior, having multiple unsportsmanlike penalties, and/or having more than one player ejected will receive an "F" rating.

 

NOTE: For any non-forfeit "F" rating the team captain will be brought in to discuss actions with the Intramural Sports Coordinator before the team is allowed to participate in any Intramural Sports activity.  For any grade "D" or below the Intramural Sports Coordinator may drop the team from the league if felt necessary.

 

Special Contest Situations

  • If a game is cancelled not rescheduled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, both teams will receive an"A" (4.0) rating.

  • A team winning a game by forfeit or default will receive an "A" (4.0) rating.
  • A team losing a contest by default will receive a "B" (3.0) rating.
  • A team losing a contest by forfeit will receive a "C" (2.0) rating.

Sportsmanship Ratings for Playoff and Minor Sports

Once bracket play has began a team must maintain a "B" rating to be eligible to continue in the tournament. Any team that receives a "D" or "F" rating will automatically be suspended until the team captain meets with the Intramural Sports Coordinator prior to participating in any additional intramural contests.

Sportsmanship Awards

One team from each division will be given a sportsmanship award and each member of that team will receive a sportsmanship t-shirt. An overall sportsmanship winner will receive the award at the Intramural Sports Awards Picnic at the end of the spring semester.