By Kenny Berkowitz
Last season, followers of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County men’s basketball team signed a student-fan code of conduct. Pledging to cheer positively and to represent the school with class and dignity, UMBC fans upheld the agreement and the team rewarded them with a fantastic season and a run to the NCAA Division I men's tournament.
---
Some might say fans of the UMBC men’s basketball team brought a little civility to last season’s March Madness. Just as the team’s season—it finished with a record of 24-9, including an appearance in the 2008 Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament—was no fluke, neither was the positive behavior of the Retrievers’ faithful followers. UMBC Head Coach Randy Monroe says the introduction of a student-fan code of conduct was a big part of their exceptional behavior and his team’s memorable season.
Advertisement
“The Student-Fan Code of Conduct played a tremendous role in our team’s success,” says Monroe, who was named America East Conference Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year. “People aren’t just talking about what a great year we had. They’re talking about the character of the human beings on our team and in the stands, and that says a lot about this program.”
The code, which was drafted by the Student Government Association’s Assistant Director of Athletic Awareness, Jake Steel, with help from athletic administrators, was overwhelmingly approved by the UMBC President’s Council at a mid-season meeting. It called for student fans to “represent UMBC in a manner which honors our traditions and values,” which includes proudly singing the alma mater, recognizing officials for their hard work, and developing creative, positive cheers.
By signing the commitment, student fans agreed to refrain from alcohol, using profanity, and from making personal attacks on opposing players and fans. They pledged to obey all the rules of the university, and hold their fellow fans to the same standards of sportsmanship. The penalties for failing to follow the code include expulsion from a game, referral to the campus judicial system, and possible legal action.
Twice last season, as the pledge made its way through student government, Monroe attended SGA meetings to talk about the importance of sportsmanship and express his support for the pledge. “It’s very important for head coaches to identify with all students, not just the ones on their teams,” he says. “We need to show fans how to act in the arena and teach them to be cognizant of the effects their behavior has on the athletic program and the school. Fans don’t always realize how much their conduct can affect a team.”
In March, 200 fans signed the pledge before boarding buses to the conference tournament, where UMBC notched three wins, including an exciting come-from-behind victory over the University of Vermont. “Everyone knew their job and was ready to lay their vocal chords on the line,” wrote Steel in his post-game column for the athletic department Web site. “We cheered loudly and proudly with each possession, drowning out any Vermont cheers early in the game. Not only were we the loudest (not biggest) fan section, but also we were very classy. Arena officials praised us for our behavior, as did the other teams that we cheered for.”
On the court, Monroe and his players could feel the difference. “There was a positive vibe throughout our games, and our players responded with some great plays,” he says. “We knew the fans were behind us, and we were really excited about competing in such a positive environment.
“All too often, you see the crowd at other schools get out of hand an affect the game negatively,” continues Monroe. “But from the moment our fans arrive at an arena, they can see how this pledge sets the tone. They know what’s expected of them and do a remarkable job following the code.”
As proof of the pledge’s effectiveness, Monroe points to the absence of any incidents during the 2007-08 season, despite a groundswell of on-campus interest in the team and the record crowds that cheered UMBC to its first ever appearance in the NCAA Division I men’s tournament. Monroe credits Steel for communicating a direct, positive message to other students, setting a high standard of fan behavior, and gathering support for his vision at the highest levels of the university.
Steel and UMBC plan to continue using the code in 2008-09, and Monroe is convinced similar approaches would work at other schools. “As coaches, we all need to commit to creating a positive environment for our students and student-athletes,” he says. “We have to be willing to enforce good conduct before things escalate into something bigger. If there’s no commitment on our part, then it’s not going to work.”
Kenny Berkowitz is an Assistant Editor at Athletic Management.
All comments will be reviewed before they are posted.