johnnymk
08-06-2008, 01:02 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080806/1a_topstrip06.art.htm?loc=interstitialskip
The NFL unveiled Tuesday a "Fan Code of Conduct" under which drunk, unruly or abusive patrons at games or parking-lot tailgate parties can be denied entrance to stadiums, ejected without refunds and possibly stripped of their season tickets.
"Here's the standard: Enjoy yourself, come root for your team — but don't infringe on the enjoyment of another fan," said Eric Grubman, NFL executive vice president.
"If you want to come root for another team, that's OK. But we don't want somebody pouring a beer over your head," he said.
The policy, similar to one imposed by the NBA in 2005, evolved from a growing number of fans complaining to the league and its teams about their experiences at games, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
A little more than a year ago, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a personal-conduct policy for the league's 1,800 players, plus the coaches and team employees.
Enforcement of the fan rules will fall on the league's 32 individual teams. Some teams already are making changes.
The Oakland Raiders have launched a video on their website showing season ticketholders imploring fellow fans to respect and abide by the code, chief executive Amy Trask said.
The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, will introduce a hotline this season enabling fans to call or text-message security from their seats, team President Bryan Wiedmeier said.
The NFL had league-record attendance of 17.3 million during the 2007 regular season — 67,755 a game.
Among the behavior banned, starting this season:
•"Intoxication … that results in irresponsible behavior."
•"Behavior that is unruly, disruptive or illegal in nature."
•"Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures."
•"Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field)."
•"Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans."
The NFL unveiled Tuesday a "Fan Code of Conduct" under which drunk, unruly or abusive patrons at games or parking-lot tailgate parties can be denied entrance to stadiums, ejected without refunds and possibly stripped of their season tickets.
"Here's the standard: Enjoy yourself, come root for your team — but don't infringe on the enjoyment of another fan," said Eric Grubman, NFL executive vice president.
"If you want to come root for another team, that's OK. But we don't want somebody pouring a beer over your head," he said.
The policy, similar to one imposed by the NBA in 2005, evolved from a growing number of fans complaining to the league and its teams about their experiences at games, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
A little more than a year ago, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a personal-conduct policy for the league's 1,800 players, plus the coaches and team employees.
Enforcement of the fan rules will fall on the league's 32 individual teams. Some teams already are making changes.
The Oakland Raiders have launched a video on their website showing season ticketholders imploring fellow fans to respect and abide by the code, chief executive Amy Trask said.
The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, will introduce a hotline this season enabling fans to call or text-message security from their seats, team President Bryan Wiedmeier said.
The NFL had league-record attendance of 17.3 million during the 2007 regular season — 67,755 a game.
Among the behavior banned, starting this season:
•"Intoxication … that results in irresponsible behavior."
•"Behavior that is unruly, disruptive or illegal in nature."
•"Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures."
•"Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field)."
•"Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans."