NEWS

Bench Bad Behavior

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

"The Executive Committee received a report from the Ad-Hoc Committee that was formed to address concerns regarding sportsmanship and how to best encourage competition. To meet that mission of the Ad-Hoc Committee and embrace the initiative of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Section 1 has created a Bench Bad Behavior Week, which will run from February 5-11, 2024.

During Bench Bad Behavior Week, member schools hosting any interscholastic athletic contest -- regardless of level or sport -- are asked to begin each event with a live announcement. The announcement stresses the important lessons learned through athletics and urges spectators and participants to avoid criticizing the athletes, coaches, and officials. Participating schools are asked to consider embracing the initiative. They are also encouraged to go beyond this standard to support the initiative."

You can read more about the Bench Bad Behavior initiative here.

This is a fantastic initiative put forth by the NFHS, with the unfortunate upward trend of inappropriate and unacceptable behavior by spectators in recent years. The John Jay Soccer Program fully embraces this, and looks forward to its continuation for the Fall 2024 season; not only for a single dedicated week, but for the full duration of the season and beyond.

Category: SECTION 1 SOCCER