Palo Alto College Athletics
Sportsmanship & Fan Code of Conduct
Palo Alto College Athletics commits to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and sportsmanship for all student-athletes, coaches, staff, officials, supporters, and spectators. We believe intercollegiate competition is enhanced when every person in attendance demonstrates civility, fairness, and respect for all participants and fellow fans.
By purchasing a ticket, entering any Palo Alto College Athletics facility, or participating in a College athletics event, spectators agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct:
1. Core Principles of Sportsmanship
We expect all spectators, supporters, and guests to:
-
Conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents Palo Alto College and supports an inclusive, respectful environment.
-
Encourage fair play, honor the integrity of competition, and respect officials, coaches, student-athletes, and opposing teams.
-
Refrain from behavior, language, or gestures that are abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or disruptive.
-
Support the TCAC’s values of respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility in intercollegiate athletics.
2. Prohibited Behavior & Items
The following behaviors and items are expressly prohibited at PAC athletic events:
Behavioral Prohibitions:
-
Entering the court, field, playing surface, or bench/athlete areas at any time before, during, or after competition.
-
Interrupting gameplay or interfering with athlete performance or game officials.
-
Throwing objects onto the playing area or toward participants.
-
Using profanity, obscene gestures, taunting, harassment, or discriminatory language of any kind (including based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, etc.).
-
Instigating fights, verbal confrontations, or disruptive chants.
-
Intoxication or any impairment that jeopardizes safety or disrupts the event.
-
Ignoring directives or instructions from event staff, security, or public safety personnel.
Prohibited Items (where applicable):
Weapons, fireworks, laser pointers, noisemakers (air horns, whistles, etc.), large coolers, glass containers, outside food or drink (when concessions are available), large bags subject to search, or any items deemed unsafe by event management.
3. Enforcement & Penalties
-
Event staff and campus/public safety personnel are authorized to enforce this policy.
-
Any spectator violating the Code of Conduct may be removed from the venue without refund.
-
Serious or repeated violations may result in revocation of future ticket privileges, being prohibited from attending future athletic events, or further disciplinary action according to College policy.
-
Spectators are responsible for their own conduct and that of any guests accompanying them.
4. Announcements & Reminders
Palo Alto College will include enhanced sportsmanship reminders in public address announcements at home events, including:
-
A pre-game statement encouraging respect, civility, and positive cheering.
-
A reminder that spectators must not enter the court or playing area at any time.
-
Recognition of sponsors and partners supporting PAC Athletics.
-
A post-game message thanking fans and encouraging continued support in a respectful manner.
5. Game Management & Safety
-
A designated Game Management Official will oversee crowd operations, safety protocols, and implementation of the Code of Conduct.
-
Security and public safety personnel will maintain appropriate presence and response procedures.
-
In case of a serious incident, removal or arrest procedures may be invoked consistent with campus and local law enforcement policies.
6. Ticket Holders & Acceptance
By obtaining a ticket or entering a PAC athletics event, fans acknowledge they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Sportsmanship & Fan Code of Conduct. Violation of this policy may result in enforcement actions as described above.
