University of Georgia Athletics
Southeastern Conference Code of Conduct
August 11, 2006 | General
SEC Bylaw 10.5 – Sportsmanship
Coaches and student-athletes of a member institution, as well as individuals employed by or associated with that institution, including alumni, fans, patrons and boosters, shall conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their behavior shall at all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in the collegiate setting. For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, coaches, student-athletes and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, SEC fans shall:
• Conduct themselves in a manner that represents their university, the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA with honor, dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate the qualities of civility and sportsmanship at all times.
• Not use vulgar, abusive, racist, sexist, demeaning or intimidating language at any time.
• Support the players, coaches and officials in a positive manner.
• Treat the visiting team, coaches and fans with courtesy and respect at all times.
• Not engage in cheers that are vulgar, crass or demeaning.
• Refrain from entering the playing field at any times, including after the game.
• Not become inebriated or belligerent.
• Be a positive role model for those around them by treating others with courtesy and respect.
SEC Sportsmanship Policy On Access To Competition Areas
The institutions of the Southeastern Conference have approved new sportsmanship policies designed to limit access to competition areas for all sports.
The policy, which went into effect on Dec. 1, 2004, states that “access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly credentialed individuals at all time. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area.”
The policy imposes significant institutional financial penalties for violations in the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball, at the discretion of the commissioner. Institutional financial penalties range from:
- $5,000 for a first offense
- up to $25,000 for a second offense
- up to $50,000 for a third and subsequent offense.
“This policy is designed to create a safe environment for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans,” said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. “Our institutions felt that this was a step that needed to be taken to ensure a safe atmosphere at all of our intercollegiate athletics events.”
In addition to the financial penalties, the new policy also provides for institutions to penalize violators for entering the competition area with expulsion from the facility, arrest for trespassing and the loss of future ticket privileges. Violators who are students may be subject to institutional student disciplinary measures.
