The obnoxious fan has become all too commonplace in the world of sports today … and not just at the professional level, but also at the collegiate, high school, and youth sports levels. Parents berating officials and harassing players occurs all the time.

The South-West Conference, though, is taking steps to eliminate it. A new sportsmanship program aimed largely at individual teams and the athletes on them also encompasses the fans in the stands and with constant evaluation and grading throughout the season the SWC hopes to get coaches, players and fans focusing on the merits of good sportsmanship as stated in Article II, Section F of its bylaws – “To encourage all that is honorable, ethical and considerate in all co-curricular activities.”

Each school (and that means coaches, players and fans in the stands) will be evaluated at every event by three members of each team. Each school receiving an “Outstanding” rating at the end of the season will be presented with a trophy and certificate.