The Sept. 3 matchup between the University of Colorado and Colorado State University football teams will mark the third year of CU-Boulder's "Compete with Class" program seeking to advance good sportsmanship.
Initiated by the Big 12, the program addresses on-field, on-court and in-game behavior, as well as fan behavior through a Big 12 Spectator Code of Sportsmanship. The code addresses such issues as negative comments to officials, interference with fans' ability to enjoy the game, bench decorum and the entrance and exit of opponents before and after the games.
"Game days at Folsom Field are a unique experience when you pack the excitement of a thundering Ralphie, the quality of the game and the majesty of our mountains into one venue," said Elease Robbins, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at CU-Boulder. "We want good sportsmanship from players, coaches and fans to match that exciting game day experience."
Compete with Class messages will be placed in print ads, on posters and distributed through student e-mails. BuffVision game day messages will be aired asking for positive fan behavior. Questionable replays will be replayed at full speed, but not in slow motion. Nothing will be run on video boards that is disrespectful to opponents or their fans.
Goalposts will continue to be removed as soon as possible after the end of football games, whether the game ends in victory or defeat. This policy was implemented by CU-Boulder in 1990, and the procedure at Folsom Field has become a model for other universities around the country.
Prohibited items at Folsom Field include any alcohol, marshmallows, tortillas, whole fruit, gallon thermoses, ice chests, cans, glass and disposable bottles. No objects may be thrown, verbal abuse is not permitted and disorderly conduct will not be allowed. Fans are allowed to bring in non-disposable containers smaller than one-half gallon or two liters and one factory sealed bottle of water of less than one liter.
Violators of stadium rules are in for some stiff penalties again this year. Fans may be denied access and may have tickets confiscated. They may be ejected for the entire season, subject to arrest and criminal prosecution and -- if they are CU students -- subject to Judicial Affairs referral.
Under CU-Boulder's revised alcohol policy, students may be suspended for an entire semester upon receiving a second alcohol-related offense, if already on probation for the first offense. That could mean the loss of more than $15,000 in tuition and room-and-board deposits for a non-resident student, or about $6,700 for a resident student.
Fans are reminded that any abusive behavior should be reported to radio-equipped security staff or the police immediately.
Big 12 Spectator
Code of Sportsmanship
CU-Boulder subscribes to the Big 12 Spectator Code of Sportsmanship, which calls on the university, athletes and fans to:
o Recognize intercollegiate athletics as an important part of the student and alumni experience.
o Credit student athletes for their commitment to academic and athletic excellence and their efforts to compete within the rules of each sport.
o Promote the Big 12 athletic conference by upholding high standards of scholarship, competitive performance and spectator behavior.
o Develop an appreciation for fairness, openness and support of coaches and players.
o Avoid negative comments and gestures that dishonor the teams, their schools and the Big 12.
o Support conference partners competing against non-conference opponents.
o Support and encourage university spirit teams, marching bands and mascots.
o Respect the athletic history and traditions of each opponent.
o Treat spectators, players, coaches and officials courteously, win or lose.
o Apply these standards of sportsmanship and spectator behavior to individual campuses, stadiums, arenas and communities, and encourage alumni to do likewise.