By Chris Post / Editor-In-Chief

Fans who threaten others, harass coaches or disrupt Marshall Public Schools activities could face removal or bans under a code of conduct approved by the Board of Education Oct. 13.

The policy also directs parents to wait 24 hours after a contest or practice before raising concerns with a coach. Superintendent Caleb Pettit said the district will require signatures before winter sports.

Pettit said the rules follow incidents across multiple sports involving adults cursing at coaches, verbally confronting other spectators, vaping and being removed from events.

“These are not fake scenarios,” Pettit said. “These are happening, have happened and have happened recently.”

The code prohibits taunting, verbal harassment, threats, physical altercations and failure to follow event regulations. Depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior, consequences range from a verbal warning to permanent suspension from district activities.

Anyone ejected must leave the contest and school facility for the remainder of that day’s competition. No refunds will be issued.

Suspensions from future events can range from the next contest to an entire season. Egregious or repeated violations may receive administrative review and could result in a permanent ban. Illegal activity, physical altercations or threats to public safety may lead to law enforcement involvement.

The policy establishes a process for parents to raise concerns privately. After waiting 24 hours, parents should call or email the coach or staff adviser to schedule a meeting. They should not confront staff before, during or immediately after a contest or practice.

If the concern remains unresolved, parents should contact the activities director.

Appropriate subjects include a student’s physical or mental treatment, ways to help the student improve and concerns about the student’s behavior.

The code lists individual playing time, team strategy, coaching philosophy, specific play calls and matters involving other students as inappropriate topics.

Pettit said families can have valid concerns, but the timing and manner of those conversations matter. He also tied spectator behavior to the district’s ability to retain coaches and build successful programs.

“We care about winning. We care about pride, but we have got to be kind,” Pettit said.

The code applies to school activities beyond athletics. It also prohibits hazing and initiations on or off school grounds and states that student discipline policies apply at school activities regardless of location.

The document includes signature lines for student-athletes and parents or guardians acknowledging the rules and possible consequences.