It’s probably time to reprise something that I’ve posted each of the past couple of years at playoff time, since it’s always relevant and people are pretty engaged in the Daily Dose this time of year.

It’s about sportsmanship. And it’s something we should have throughout college football, but especially here in Division III, at the truly amateur level. As the NCAA disclaimer goes:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the NCAA promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial, or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition. Also, the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages at the site of competition is prohibited.”

This has been said so many times in the past dozen years that it comes pouring at as if it were second nature. But there’s a fan (or a few) in every crowd in need of a refresher course. So here it is.
Consider this, fans, especially you students out there. These are big games, no doubt, and it’s great to get excited about them, but these players do not deserve your abuse. A Division III football player gets no special treatment above and beyond what you get. They’re not on scholarship, don’t get special dining halls or treatment in the classroom (in fact, you can count on some professors being harder on football players than on the rest of the class).

I would be in favor of immediately kicking anyone out of the stadium who is in violation of the sportsmanship agreement. So what if you paid $5, $8, whatever to be there? Act like a grownup, since that’s what you allegedly are.

If you need to get all liquored up in order to enjoy a football game, stay home. The football should be reason enough. If you’re of legal age, there’s plenty of time to drink after the game — that’s one of the benefits of a noon kickoff.

I have been fortunate enough this season to be at a lot of games with really big crowds, and I have to say, it seems like there has been less of a problem this year than in years past. Perhaps that’s just the midwest talking, though.

So let’s behave. That’s all.