MPSF CODE of CONDUCT
404 OFFICIATING CODE OF ETHICS
404.1 Importance of Officials
No competitive contest can be satisfactorily played without an acceptable Code of Rules and impartial officials. In large measure, the reputation and status of officials depends upon the support they are accorded by coaches. Officials must have the respect and support of coaches and players if they are to do their jobs efficiently. On and off-the-record criticism of officials to players or the public shall be considered unethical.
404.2 Officials Associations
There should be a cooperative relationship between coaches and officials associations, with frequent interchange of ideas and suggestions. Coaches should, whenever possible, accept invitations to attend officials’ rules meetings. Similarly, coaches should extend officials invitations to discuss rules interpretations with their squads, and on occasion, to officiate at scrimmages for mutual benefits. Wherever possible, coaches may find it desirable to join officials associations and serve as officials. It is undesirable for coaches to serve as officials in the league or Federation of which their institution is a member, particularly in the sport which they are coaching. It is dangerous and unethical for coaches of rival teams to accept assignment as officials on an exchange basis.
404.3 Treatment of Officials
Officials should be treated in a courteous manner. They should be provided with a private room in which to meet and dress for the game. Federations between coaches and officials shall always be conducted according to procedures established by the governing Federation or officials association. In every respect the official rule book should be followed in coach-official relationships, on the field and during and following the game. Any criticism which the coach may have to make concerning officiating should be made in writing to the office which assigned the official to the game. For a coach to address, or permit anyone on his bench to address uncomplimentary remarks to any official during the progress of a game, or to indulge in conduct which might incite players or spectators against the officials, is a violation of the rules of the game and must likewise be considered conduct unworthy of a member of the coaching profession.
404.4 Public Comments
Institutional personnel are prohibited from oral or written comments on officiating matters of any nature other than to the Federation Office. Such comments may not appear in institutional news releases or other institutionally published materials such as a coach’s newsletter or game program. Institutional personnel may not publicly comment derogatorily on officiating to the public or media during contests, post-game interviews, radio or television shows, at booster group gatherings, or under other conditions when their comments could become public. (5/99)
404.4.1
All reports to the Federation Office pertaining to officiating, game management, student athletes, coaches or officials shall be forwarded through the institution’s Director of Athletics or Senior Woman Administrator.
404.4.2
Any coach who violates the code of conduct, as stated in 404.4, shall be subject to penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct as specified in
405.1.
This applies to all contests in all Federation sports. (5/99)
404.5 Use of Movies in Checking Officials
It should be recognized that slow motion study of controversial decisions by officials is far different from on-the-spot decisions which must be made during the course of a game. To show critical plays to sportswriters, sportscasters, alumni and the public, which may incite them to label officials as incompetents, will be considered unethical conduct.
405 ACTS OF UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT AND PENALTIES
405.1
Definition of Unsportsmanlike Conduct Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not be limited to:
2. Intentionally inciting participants or spectators to violent or abusive action.
3. Using obscene gestures or profane or unduly provocative language or action toward officials, opponents, or spectators.
4. Being critical publicly of any game official, Federation personnel, another university, or its personnel.
Any person who, after an investigation by the Federation, is found to have committed one of the listed acts or any other act of unsportsmanlike conduct, shall be subject to appropriate penalty. The penalties may include a private or public reprimand, ejection from the contest, and/or suspension for one or more contests.
405.1.1
Bench personnel, other than the head coach, are prohibited from leaving the confines of the bench area to engage in a fight that may or has broken out on the court of playing field. Persons violating this rule shall be disqualified from participating in the contest and shall go to the team’s locker room or leave the facility until the contest has ended.
405.1.2
Under no condition may a player, coach, or other team bench personnel proceed into any area where spectators are present to retaliate for, or to initiate any verbal or physical abuse. Bench personnel may not throw objects into areas containing spectators. Violations will result in the person’s disqualification from participating and the person is to go to the team’s locker room or leave the facility until the contest has ended.
405.2 Executive Director's Decision
The Decision of the Executive Director is binding on the parties unless it is overruled by an appeal to the Federation’s Administrative Committee. The decision of the Administrative Committee is binding on the parties. The reversal or modification of the Executive Director¹s decision must be endorsed by a majority of the Administrative Committee members in attendance, except that the appealing institution shall not have a vote if represented on the Committee. (5/99)