It’s just a game. It’s important. It’s intense. It matters. But, it’s just a game. Relax, enjoy it.

Relax and enjoy it so we can, too. Relax and enjoy it so the players can play. Relax and enjoy it so the officials can work. Relax and enjoy it so everyone else can, too. 

We want to see a high school athletic environment that is inviting, welcoming and uplifting. Lately, in Mount Vernon, we have noticed this is not the case. 

We have seen fans berate officials, coaches and players. We have watched as parents are ejected from games. Parents have argued calls leading to games being stopped and interrupted. This distracts the players and coaches and creates an uncomfortable environment for nearly all associated with the event. Parents go so far as to yell things they clearly do not understand, do not apply to the specific  situation and even to players from both teams. 

In the month of September, three people have been ejected from games at Mount Vernon. This does not include the countless number of people who were warned that their actions could lead to removal. The first time a fan is ejected from a game, they are suspended from two games. On the second offense, they are not allowed in games for half of the season. The third offense, they are suspended from games for a year. This policy was implemented by the Ohio Cardinal Conference. 

Despite these rules set in place to prevent this, it is still happening at not only Mount Vernon sporting events, but everywhere. This could be an indicator that the policies are not strict enough to eliminate this behavior. Our fans seek to set an example for what correct behavior at athletic competitions should be. At Mount Vernon, we implement respect among coaches, players, and officials as well as fans in order to establish an inviting and supportive environment that is enjoyable to play in.