Dear North Adams Public School Staff Members, Students, Parents/Guardians, and Community Members,
During the most recent athletic season, the school districts in Berkshire County have had some incidents involving student-athletes, officials, and fans experiencing hostility and harassment. When these incidents are reported, they result in lengthy investigations. The superintendents of the Berkshire County Superintendents Roundtable, the athletic directors, and high school principals recently convened to discuss a proactive and preventative approach, so that high school athletic events remain an integral component of the social fabric of our schools and communities. As a result of this meeting, we are providing to our communities the following statement regarding the participation in athletic events by our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and our fans, whether participating as a home team or visiting attendee.
In order to keep athletic events safe, fun, and representative of the sportsmanship that we want to instill through our athletics program, we expect all members of our school community to adhere to the following:
Statement on Behalf of Berkshire County Superintendents, High School Principals, and Athletic Directors
Berkshire County superintendents, principals, and athletic directors feel that there is a need to address fan behavior and sportsmanship at high school athletic contests that are not in keeping with our schools’ core values and beliefs. We believe it is imperative that all participants and attendees experience a sense of belonging at these events. This means all student-athletes, coaches, and officials should be able to carry out their duties on the field of competition without fear of verbal or physical attacks. Behavior by students, coaches, fans, or other attendees that is unwelcoming or hostile will not be tolerated. All of our schools strive to provide inclusive and family-friendly events. In an effort to maximize the value of educational athletics, we have agreed upon the following priorities as we head into the winter athletic season:
All superintendents have committed to providing comprehensive communication to community stakeholders to ensure consistency in messages regarding conduct at sporting events.
All superintendents have committed to providing appropriate staffing at each event to supervise and monitor participants and fans.
All coaches, student-athletes, and administrators will model the expectations for good sportsmanship at each event.
All schools have agreed upon a minimum 2-week suspension period for fans removed from an event.
All schools will continue to reinforce and model MIAA guidelines.
Finally, we appreciate our school communities for supporting our athletic programs. All fans should feel welcome in all venues. Sportsmanship is the expectation. Let the players play, let the coaches coach, and let the officials officiate!
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Malkas