Over the last couple of years, Portsmouth High School’s student section at varsity games could be viewed as sparse in attendance and enthusiasm to some. 

This issue has raised concerns among students and athletes about the Athletic Department’s and administration’s implementation of certain rules at sporting events.

These rules are defined in the student handbook under language and conduct and are explained as follows: “Respectful behavior is defined as courteous regard or treatment. To ensure a climate characterized by mutual respect, students will practice common courtesy and civil behavior towards one another, employees, students, parents, guardians, community members, and elected officials in all situations. Demeaning comments and behavior will not be tolerated.”

Some varsity athletes have felt the negative impact of these rules and the recent enforcement from staff and administration of them on the game atmosphere. 

“The staff have brought negative energy. It was easy to get hyped up and energized for every game. The rules are preventing them from showing school spirit,” said Jake Carlisle, a PHS varsity baseball team senior.

Lucas Patten, a PHS senior on the varsity lacrosse team, echoed this sentiment. He says, “It’s a lot worse. It’s more fun when people can cheer for the team and against the other team.”

PHS staff is continuing to enforce rules of appropriate behavior and conduct at PHS sporting events, and some students feel that puts a damper on the spectator’s experience. However, this issue at sporting events is not singular to local high school sporting events. 

According to an article from Oregon Public Broadcasting, multiple schools in Oregon have had a record-high player and coach ejection rate during soccer games. Other schools in Tennessee have taken the next step, not only removing fans but also fining them for going against the rules, according to a Nashville, TN news station.

Students have also cited specific reasons for attending fewer games. “I have witnessed complaints of a lack of enthusiasm,” Carlisle noted.

“My friends say because the staff is so hard on not being able to cheer, it makes people not want to go anymore and makes games less fun to play in,” says Patten.

Some athletes and students have proposed changes to improve the student section experience. Carlisle emphasized the importance of fan excitement by explaining when you are playing a sport, “it’s important to have that excitement from your fans because when you lose that as a player it turns into more of a job, not a fun game to play.” 

“Make the rules more lenient so people can show their school spirit and not get yelled at. There have been times when people say something like ‘ref that’s a foul’ and will get yelled at for it,” Patten suggested.

Portsmouth High School’s Athletic Director, Tom Kozikowski, explained the rationale behind the rules. He explains that he believes there was an uptick in unsportsmanlike conduct after COVID, stating “This was not just at Portsmouth High School, but according to many Athletic Directors in the state, at their schools as well.”

When asked about feedback from students, athletes, and parents Kozikowski mentioned hearing feedback from staff and parents. However, he did not mention obtaining or seeking any information from students or athletes.

Kozikowski believes that the rules have positively impacted student attendance and behavior. 

“I feel that the student attendance is better now than in previous years as well as the behavior,” Kozikowski stated, going against what the students and players said, who attended the games.

When asked about potential adjustments to the current rules Kozikowski declined any plan for further action, stating, “The feedback has been positive.”

Ryan Cummings, a senior at PHS, expressed his frustration with the new rules. 

“The fun of attending games is gone at this point. When I would attend the games it was more out of obligation, like having friends on the team. But the fun aspect is completely gone,” Cummings said. 

Cummings also noted the change in atmosphere: “I remember as a kid thinking it was the coolest spot to be and I think we have lost that.” 

Cummings suggested that the athletic department should “be less aggressively monitoring it. We have three to five teachers and staff sitting beside us.”

The ongoing debate over the student section’s rules highlights the balance between maintaining a positive environment and preserving the excitement and spirit that make high school sports memorable.