Words Matter! Stay positive at sporting events

As we get into the postseason, the Newington Athletics Department would just like to take a moment to remind everyone of their role in representing Newington High School and the town of Newington. As the emotion of each game increases, there normally is a little more negativity towards officials and players during contests. Please let this serve as a reminder as to what we need from anyone in attendance at our contests. We greatly appreciate all the positive support that is provided to our teams and want to emphasize those aspects for the remainder of the season. Click on the link below to hear the perspective of the student athletes across the state who are competing in our events. 

Click for video: Spectator Words Matter

Administration and support staff 

• Will have increased awareness during contests of spectator and player behavior.

• Will reinforce to spectators that they should only be cheering their team and supporting their student athletes. Criticism of officials, players, & coaches should NEVER occur and will not be tolerated.  

• Will remove spectators who are criticizing officials, coaches, or players.

Spectators

• Will positively cheer and support their team and good plays by both teams. No names and numbers of anyone other than our players should ever be mentioned.

• Will NOT challenge any officials call or ridicule any official for their decisions. (Negative comments guided towards officials will only hurt the team and impression of our players, coaches, fans, and community. We need to be conscious that officials are always trying to do their best and should never challenge their decisions from the stands.)

• Understand that administration and support staff will not tolerate negative comments guided towards officials, other coaches, and/or players and will result in removal from particular contests or, potentially, the remainder of the season.

Players

• Will only voice positive support of their teammates.

• Will not engage in negative altercations with other players, coaches, officials, or fans.

• Will respect fellow players, coaches, and officials decisions at all times.

Regards,

The Newington Athletic Department