Norris School District

Sportsmanship

Norris has a proud tradition of sportsmanship that has carried on for years.  The class with which Norris student athletes and student spectators conduct themselves is a source of pride for the school and community.  Norris high school has received accolades in the past for this exemplary conduct, as our school has twice been a state tournament sportsmanship award winner at the state basketball competition.  Each year, our Norris students sustain that tradition with the support of our parents, under the supervision of our administration, and most of all, through the character and commitment of our students.

We have a unique privilege and responsibility to continue that tradition of excellence in sportsmanship with a new middle school facility that includes a varsity competition gym for high school volleyball and basketball.  The new gym has a greater capacity than our old gym, and will accommodate our growing student population and community nicely in the coming years.  We even have a student spectator section behind the south basket.  Having a student section behind a basket is a great opportunity for our students to cheer on our home team.

The Norris student handbook clearly stipulates the standard for sportsmanship that we adhere to at Norris activities and events.  All students receive a handbook and acknowledge receipt of the handbook at the start of the year.  The activities expectations are noted below:

It is understood that the following student expectations will be followed to demonstrate sportsmanship:

1.                  No use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

2.                  No profanity.

3.                  No chants directed at a player, coach or official that is racial, ethnic, or sexist in nature, or that degrades any of the above by chanting their name or constantly mocking an individual.

4.                  Show respect during player introductions (i.e., NOT turning backs on opposing team, use of newspapers).

5.                  No threats or obscene gestures directed at opposing players or fans.

6.                  No demeaning comments directed at schools (i.e., ‘cheaters,’ ‘start your tractors’).

7.                  To be positive regarding the play and actions of Norris coaches and players and opposing coaches and players.

8.                  Not engaging in other comments and cheers that are deemed inappropriate during the season.

9.                  Be a positive role model for the rest of the student body.  Assist in policing the student body to make sure that others are good representatives of Norris.

 Violation of the above may result in forfeiture of ability to attend Norris athletic contests. 

Activities Director Mr. Bates and Principal Mr. Skretta met with student leaders in the junior and senior class prior to the first home contests of the varsity basketball season.  The sportsmanship standards were reviewed and students had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss appropriate and inappropriate conduct at games.   

The Norris sportsmanship expectations do not vary from years past or change from year to year.  They are not more rigorous, nor are they more lenient than in other years.  Each year, the vast majority of students meet or exceed these expectations without incident or any need for direct enforcement by adults.  When students fail to abide by these standards, the administration will address the behaviors and redirect students, reasserting our expectations. 

The expectations for sportsmanship are inclusive of visual distractions directed at the opposition.  Visual distractions from the student body have never been permitted.  These distracting behaviors directed at free throw shooters on the opposing team include waving hands and arms, leaping from a sitting position to a standing position when the shooter goes into his / her motion, and swaying back and forth when the shooter is on the line.  Students are certainly allowed and encouraged to make noise, applaud, and cheer for the Norris Titans at all times!

By adhering to the Norris sportsmanship standard, we ensure that student athletes and spectators alike from both Norris and our visitors from other schools will have an excellent experience in our wonderful new facilities.