Jake's Take: Fan Enthusiasm At Dome Basketball Games
2/13/2003 4:42:25 PM | Men's Basketball
The review has not resulted in our ability to identify specific individuals as being responsible for any of the reported incidents, including those where minor injuries were suffered as a result of the prolonged and intense emotional environment on the court. Those incidents were an unfortunate outcome to what was otherwise one of the most exciting last few minutes of a basketball game in Carrier Dome history.
We believe that the security personnel in place and the safety measures in effect at the conclusion of the Pittsburgh game were sufficient to address the anticipated post-game activities on the court. In fact, once the court was cleared the first time, additional security personnel were assigned to both teams and officials. However, a combination of factors that we will not likely ever see again contributed significantly to what we ultimately experienced on the court at the end of that game. This said, there are issues worthy of noting for future games.
One overlooked but critical issue: At the point fans rushed the court the first time, the officials could have assessed a technical foul against our team because the game was not over. While the unusual circumstances made such a call unlikely, it is within the discretion of the officials to make such a call if they determine that crowd activity disrupts the game and in doing so delays the game. Obviously, a technical foul resulting from fans coming onto the court prior to the end of the game could make the difference between winning and losing.
We do not want to dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of our fans. The Carrier Dome can rock like no other college basketball facility in the country, and when it does it is an incredibly intimidating environment for the visiting team. The notion of a home-court advantage is classically exemplified with the environment created by our fans in the Dome.
There is a dark side to fan enthusiasm, however, and that’s when the clear intent of the intimidation is to demean opposing players or staff or when a show of enthusiasm puts anyone’s safety at risk. To a person, our players and coaches respect every member of the opposing team, and vice-versa, before, during and after the game. Our fans should show that same respect, which in no way deters them from supporting our team and safely reveling in a great victory.
The use of profanities and obscene gestures or cheers is also demeaning, never appropriate, and makes for an uncomfortable environment for fans of all ages, particularly children. And, a post-game celebration should NEVER include in-your-face confrontations with the opposing team’s players and staff. After a bitter loss they certainly have nothing to celebrate, so there is no reason to involve them. Intimidation at that point becomes personal, and it should have no place in support of SU athletics.
Unfortunately, a very few over-exuberant fans with questionable motives or lapses in judgment can spark serious incidents and turn a great event into a bad scene. Similarly, if people are not careful and mindful of each other, a festive celebration in the stands or on the court can turn dangerous in a matter of seconds and can result in serious injury or harm.
We encourage fans to be supportive; indeed, our players thrive on that support as evidenced in the Pittsburgh game. However we can’t allow the actions of a few to spoil it for everyone else. Fans can exhibit good sportsmanship and stay safe, and still make the Dome rock.
