SPORTS
KANSAN.COM
Big 12 announces changes in fan conduct policy
10
BY SCOTT CHASEN
@SCHASENKU
Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby announced Wednesday that the conference will begin imposing punishments for schools whose fans display poor conduct during games.
The punishments are mainly geared toward those who participate in court-storming and field-storming, but also aim to eliminate offensive chants and overall fan misconduct during games.
"I don't know that there's anything
off the table in dealing with those issues," Bowlsby said, via the AP.
This is similar to what the SEC has done in trying to eliminate dangerous fan action. And those policies have gotten tougher in the last year.
Although there are no automatic punishments in the Big 12 that would be triggered by fans entering the field or court, Bowlsby said he would have the authority to reprimand or fine schools, or even take away future home games, with the ultimate goal of keeping the college environment safe for all.
"We are certainly most interested in the safety of our participants," Bowlsby said. "[And that] would include home team, visiting team, officials, table crew and the like."
As far as punishments are concerned, Bowlsby said he would first consult with conference officials on a case-by-case basis, but ultimately the final decision would be his.
As for individual fans, the Big 12 passed rules that allow universities to simply withhold ticket privileges from any fan deemed to be showcasing inappropriate behavior, pending
a video review. That conduct is not limited to anything in particular, but looks to eliminate offensive chants and offensive language from the crowd during games.
This could affect the University of Kansas, during home football games in particular.
After all, not only have Jayhawk fans rushed the field following Big 12 victories in each of the last two seasons, but there's also the matter of the traditional explicit chant during Kansas kickoffs: "Rip his f***ing head off."
The phrase contains an obscenity, which would place it under the criteria for potential disciplinary action.
However, it remains to be seen how Bowlsby and his staff will address the issue. Either way, it seems this is something Kansas would like to see gone in the near future.
"Since the chant has started, we have hoped the students would have cleaned it up themselves," said Associate Athletics Director Jim Marchiony. "[The fines] may be the only way to clean it up. Certainly other efforts have not been successful."
Now hiring janitorial team members. P/T evenings 1-4 hrs or overnight 10pm-6:30am. Apply at BPI Building Services 939 Iowa (north side of Napa building) or call 785-842-6284.
Driver needed. We inherited a car located in Lawrence & need it driven to CA. Start/end dates not critical Will pay gas and $$$. Contact me to discuss. 925-455-4494 email: drhenson@comcast.net
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HOUSECLEANERS
Are you detail oriented, organized & a team player? F/T or P/ T
Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm, work one day a week or all 5
Vehicle & supplies provided $8-10.hr. Apply 939 Iowa St.
KANSAN.COM
+