From Wadena-Deer Creek Activities Director Norm Gallant:

Student leaders from the Park Region Conference gathered at the Robertson Theatre at WDC High School to discuss common expectations and codes of conduct for student fans and events on September 13th.

The students, along with their school’s AD’s, covered a broad range of topics with overall goals of defining positive environments at activities, improving interactions, and developing a common set of expectations for conference events.

Throughout the morning, students discussed what great student sections look and sound like and what cheers and chants are acceptable and not acceptable. Students came from a variety of points of views and backgrounds. Many were student athletes involved in multiple activities, while others were fans who were not involved in activities but enjoyed being a part of the crowd.

Overall, the students seemed to agree that student behavior was generally good at events in which they participate or attend. Students who were on the floors or courts noted that a loud crowd who is cheering and having fun made their experiences much more enjoyable.

The students did identify some items which they had concerns about. One such issue was cheers and chants that directly target individual players and participants. They also agreed that use of vulgar or sexual language was never appropriate.

Following the discussions of “below the line” behaviors, student and adult leaders discussed strategies that they can use to promote positive behavior and sportsmanship in the stands.

The group finished by developing the following expectations for behavior which will be followed by the members of the Park Region Conference:

1.) Cheer for your team, not against others.
2.) Cheers will not target individual players
3. ) Cheers and Chants will not be vulgar and will remain “above the line.”
4.) Student fans will respect the boundaries of the playing area.

“I thought it was a great morning,” said Norm Gallant, AD at WDC. “In general, I think we have had good student behavior at our events, but I think it was good to meet and have a discussion and develop common expectations. It was great to hear different perspectives from students throughout the conference, and I look forward to seeing these students at our events. The more we can get to know each other and work together, the better it will be for everyone. ”

The Park Region Conference includes Bertha-Hewitt, Henning, Menahga, New York Mills, Sebeka, Pillager, Verndale and Wadena-Deer Creek.