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June 10, 2002 Volume 26, Issue 38 |
The Southeastern Conference at its spring meeting on May 31 adopted a policy that provides for yardage penalties to be assessed against a football team when its fans engage in use of artificial noisemakers such as cowbells.
Presidents of the member universities voted 11-1, with MSU Interim President Charles Lee dissenting, to add penalties to the rule banning noisemakers that has been on the books since 1975.
President Lee said following the conference decision:
"Cowbells have been a symbol of Mississippi State spirit and pride for more than 75 years, and we understand the deep attachment that many alumni and friends have for this unique tradition. Efforts over the past 25 years to enforce the Southeastern Conference ban on artificial noisemakers inside the stadiums have met with limited success. This has led now to a provision that our teams can be penalized on the field if our fans disregard the longstanding rule.
"We know that many Mississippi State supporters are disappointed, but we are confident that our fans will not engage in actions that would compromise the ability of our athletes to be competitive on the field. As an institution, we will continue as we have in the past to abide by the rule and we urge all Mississippi State fans to do likewise.
"There is no limit on the amount of enthusiasm and spirit that we can demonstrate in ways that can only help our teams succeed, and I am confident that Bulldog fans will be more determined than ever to show their team spirit in appropriate ways. Membership in the Southeastern Conference is a tremendous benefit to the institution and our fans, and along with the benefits of that association comes the responsibility to adhere to policies adopted by a vote of the member universities."
The SEC presidents' vote changes the existing bylaw on Playing Conditions to extend the ban on artificial noisemakers to "any sports venue" in addition to making provision for playing field penalties. Previously, the language of the cowbell ban cited only football stadiums and basketball arenas.
President Lee said he will appoint a task force to consider university practices, procedures and communications with fans related to cowbells.
The game management rules adopted by the presidents are as follow:
1. Artificial Noisemakers-Football. In the sport of football, the game officials are charged with enforcing the conference ban on artificial noisemakers utilizing the following procedures:
a. The first time the referee detects the significant use of artificial noisemakers by those in the crowd, he will call a referee's timeout and issue a verbal warning through the public address system.
b. On the second incident involving the significant use of artificial noisemakers, the home team shall be penalized five yards.
c. On the third, and any subsequent, incident involving the significant use of artificial noisemakers, the home team shall be penalized 15 yards.
d. Game officials have the discretion to determine if the penalty is enforced against the home or visiting team.
2. Artificial Noisemakers-Other Sports. The ban on artificial noisemakers will be extended to all conference-sponsored sports. It was noted that the NCAA playing rules of many sports prohibit artificial noisemakers. In cases where the rules of the sport do not prohibit artificial noisemakers, the conference has the authority to impose fines as deemed necessary by the commissioner.
3. Institutionally Controlled Artificial Noisemakers. In cases where member institutions violate policies regarding institutionally controlled artificial noisemakers (i.e., bands, P.A. systems, etc.), the conference office shall first warn the institution and then impose fines no less than $5,000 for subsequent violations.
4. Fans Rushing Field/Court. Each institution is required to submit to the conference its plan for students and fans rushing the playing field or court at the conclusion of an athletic contest. It is suggested that each athletics department work with the respective president's or chancellor's office to adopt these policies and inform students.
5. Courtside Seating-Basketball. The conference office will provide a letter from the commissioner to be sent to any patrons holding courtside seats in the sport of basketball. Said letter should remind these seat-holders of their higher level of responsibility for actions and conduct before, during and after games.
Game officials will not tolerate profanity, racial or other taunting, or any threatening remarks or actions from these seat-holders. Officials shall have the authority to remove the individuals from the seats and/or assess a technical foul to the home team.