By Don McDermott
Re: Rick Melton’s Letter to the Editor in the Tonopah Times-Bonanza & Goldfield News Feb. 9: While the conduct he talks about occurred at a game in Tonopah, his beliefs are valid anywhere games are played.
Sports fans:
The Nye County School District has a handbook, available at any school and it’s actually online; google Nye County School District parent-athlete handbook , regarding conduct of parents and athletes, before, during and after any contest.
First, Melton’s invitation to yáll who think you can be an official, here’s your chance.
On the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association website, there is an officials’ registration form.
Print out that form and fill it out, then follow the instructions on how to get it to the appropriate officials association.
There are officials associations throughout Nevada; there are such organizations in Northern Nevada for football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, baseball, fast-pitch softball and swimming.
Also, the NIAA Award of Excellence program includes Academics, Athletics and Citizenship points tables.
Student-athletes are recognized for their excellence in the classroom, on the playing field and citizenship. The key for fans, however, is in the Deductions for Ejections section.
For the ejection of each student-athlete, there is a 75-point deduction; 150 points can be deducted for each coach’s ejection, and 150 points can be erased at the NIAA executive director discretion for unsportsmanlike conduct and improper behaviour. An official’s report can include such conduct regarding spectators as well.
Now, to the handbook, available to any parent, fan, student, athlete, or the just plain curious …
The Introduction
In order for sports to serve a purpose in the educational system, students must obtain positive educational benefits from athletics, such as responsibility, self-discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, work ethics, integrity and personal sacrifice for the good of others.
Parents and Fans
Parents and fans should be exemplary role models in every manner possible. Help us promote a positive, competitive attitude in all areas of school athletics.
What You Can Do
* Realize that a ticket is a privilege to observe a contest and support high school activities, not a license to verbally assault others to be generally obnoxious;
* Respect the decision made by the contest officials;
* Be an exemplary role model by positively supporting teams in every manner possible, including the content of cheers and signs;
* Respect the fans, coaches and participants from opposing schools.
* Treat athletes, officials, coaches and fans with respect, regardless of race or gender.
* Understand the game rules and recognize that the application of such rules is necessary for a fun contest to occur.
There is plenty of information available in the handbook. Fans … coaches … athletes … parents … Get a Copy, ASAP.
There is a good chance several teams from Tonopah, Round Mountain and Beatty will be involved in the Southern Nevada Class A regional basketball tournament, which begins next Tuesday. And one can only hope that a couple will advance to the state tournament in Reno Feb. 24-25.
So, let’s be successful on the court … and in the grandstands. Fans, don’t do something that could get your team a ‘T!’ … and you ejected.
