The H-DNL has issued a reminder to local fans of the importance of good sportsmanship at league events after multiple incidents this school year that have resulted in spectators being suspended or banned.

In an open letter to the community, league commissioner Jack Lakin urges fans to act appropriately at the H-DNL sporting events.

A new league bylaw will now ban any ejected spectator who refuses to leave the site of a sporting event for one year.

The letter to the community reads as follows … 

“Humboldt-Del Norte League Letter to the Community:

Concerns Regarding Spectator Behavior

There has been a very disturbing trend at our local Humboldt-Del Norte League high school athletic events; the inappropriate behavior of adult spectators.

The four most egregious incidents:

1. After reports from game officials and verification through an investigation by School Administration, it was found the SPECTATOR “..,verbally assaulted, physically intimidated and threatened the official during the contest.”

The North Coast Section, CIF, one of the governing bodies for local high school athletics, determined the SPECTATOR would be permanently banned from attending any CIF Interscholastic competition (i.e a Statewide ban for life)

2. After reports from game officials and verification through an investigation by School Administration, it was found the SPECTATOR “…was ejected from the contest by school officials, was escorted to her car in the parking lot and remained in the parking lot and verbally harassed the officiating crew on their way to the locker room following the contest.”

The North Coast Section, CIF, suspended the SPECTATOR from attending any contests through the winter season (approximately 3 months).

3. After reports from game officials and verification by School Administration, it was found the SPECTATOR “… proceeded to say vulgar things directed towards the referees” and “yelled political slurs and cursed at the on-site administrators”.

The “home” School determined their SPECTATOR would be suspended from attending any high school basketball contests for the remainder of the season (approximately 3 months).

4. A SPECTATOR was ejected by School Administration after refusing to stop yelling at the players on the court. The SPECTATOR then became “…argumentative, belligerent, accusatory and refused to leave the gym”.

The North Coast Section, CIF suspended the SPECTATOR for three contests.

As a response to this situation, the Humboldt-Del Norte League felt compelled to approve a Bylaw banning any ejected SPECTATOR, refusing to leave the site of the contest, for one year.

Attending is a Privilege: Courts have consistently ruled that attendance at interscholastic athletics does not constitute a fundamental property or civil right. Athletic events are considered voluntary, extracurricular activities.

Authority to Regulate: As a privilege, individual schools and athletic associations (Leagues, Sections and States) have the authority to establish and enforce eligibility and conduct requirements.

Safety and Conduct: Spectators may be barred from attending due to identified inappropriate behavior, drugs/alcohol use, failure to follow spectator rules etc.

To maintain this privilege to attend, Spectators are expected to:

● Applaud good plays by both your team and the opposition

● Show respect for opponents, coaches, and officials.

● Avoid racial, sexist, or derogatory comments.

● Keep away from the playing area and team benches.

● Report concerns through proper channels, not via abusive social media posts.

The Humboldt Del-Norte League also recognizes that most of the unacceptable behaviors are directed at the Officials.

And the League wants to stress:

Officials come to our schools and game sites, providing a service which gives our student-athletes an opportunity to participate in educational athletics.

They deserve our respect, appreciation and gratitude; not abuse, insults and threats.

The League is also supported by a Student Athletic Advisory Council.

This group has been a strong advocate and promoter for positive sportsmanship at our local high school contests.

In a recently released Sportsmanship Video (see above), their message contained the following;

“Officials are a part of the game, just like athletes and coaches. They make mistakes just like we do. Without Officials there are no games. Whether you like the calls or not, RESPECT them.”

The traditional community support, as spectators, for local athletic events is an extremely valued aspect of our students’ high school experience.

And these recent acts of inappropriate behaviors MUST STOP.

They disrupt the event and tarnish the memories.

Your attention to this situation is appreciated.

Everyone is encouraged to view the Sportsmanship Video.

Not just for the message content but to also be exposed to the high quality product; written and produced by student-athletes from every HDNL school.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation

Jack Lakin

Humboldt-Del Norte League Commissioner”