NFL implements new fan code of conduct for 2008 season

[RamWraith]

NEW YORK -- The NFL implemented a new code of fan conduct Tuesday, warning that spectators who misbehave will be ejected from stadiums and barred from coming back.

The policy, first recommended by commissioner Roger Goodell at league meetings in April, is aimed at conduct that the league said "detracts from the gameday experience."

It includes bans on:

• Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.

• Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.

• Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

• Interference with the progress of the game, including throwing objects onto the field.

• Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel.

• Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing team.

"The in-stadium experience is critically important to the NFL, our clubs and our fans and it will be a major focus this season," Goodell said in a statement. "We are committed to improving the fan experience in every way we can -- from the time fans arrive in the parking lot to when they depart the stadium."

The league also left teams the option of adding additional provisions to the code based on local circumstances. It said the guidelines would be contained in mailings to fans and signs posted at stadiums.

[RamFan_Til_I_Die]

Man the faiders stadium will be a ghost town by the end of the 1st quarter...

[r8rh8rmike]

Man the faiders stadium will be a ghost town by the end of the 1st quarter...

I was thinking the same thing, and that the "gameday experience" would certainly be affected by the scuffles between security and policy violators, not to mention the obstructed views from the parade of those being escorted out of the stadium. Good luck on this one Roger.

Drunkenness and signs of alcohol impairment that result in irresponsible behavior.

I'm sure stadiums will continue to push alcohol sales with seat vendors and beer stands every five feet.

• Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.

• 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 fans from the opposing team.

It's a good thing they're not going to enforce these provisions on the field.

[thoey]

I just think it is a shame that something like this had to be done.

[HornyRam]

With the price of tickets rising every year this is a long time comin'

[UtterBlitz]

I can't imagine that they could enforce these rules, nor do I see the fans being happy about it. Heckling the rival fans is part of the game in a lot of the stadiums.

[Chris58]

I can't imagine that they could enforce these rules, nor do I see the fans being happy about it. Heckling the rival fans is part of the game in a lot of the stadiums.

I think they could. Remember when Philly instituted court at the stadium for unruly fans arrested at the park? It really cleaned up the behavior.

[bigredman]

Frankly, this country is becoming a real drag. Every aspect of our lives is being regulated. Can't say this, can't do that, all in the name of "they know what's best for us". No fun on the field, no fun in the stands. Before you know it, all you will hear at games are polite golf applause.

[Goldenfleece]

The trick would be selective enforcement. Here they've got an excuse to throw just about anyone out who is so much as cheering too loudly, but if they're smart they won't use it except when people really do get out of control (i.e. dangerous or abusive to the point that the rest of the section can't enjoy the game).

[UtterBlitz]

Frankly, this country is becoming a real drag. Every aspect of our lives is being regulated. Can't say this, can't do that, all in the name of "they know what's best for us". No fun on the field, no fun in the stands. Before you know it, all you will hear at games are polite golf applause.

I agree. it does seem that the NFL is headed towards the golf attitude. Everyone be quiet and sit and watch. Don't upset anyone.

[UtterBlitz]

I think they could. Remember when Philly instituted court at the stadium for unruly fans arrested at the park? It really cleaned up the behavior.

I have been up in Philly many times and I have seen plenty of fights. You do need to be careful about how you handle yourself in other stadiums, but I would not like football nearly as much if there was no passion allowed from the fans. I get upset when people tell you to sit down when you are jumping around cheering for a play.

Perhaps it might be time for me to switch to watching college games. I went to a VA Tech game last year and we stood the entire game except for half time. It was crazy fun and they don't even serve alcohol at the college games.

[RamFan_Til_I_Die]

I have been up in Philly many times and I have seen plenty of fights. You do need to be careful about how you handle yourself in other stadiums, but I would not like football nearly as much if there was no passion allowed from the fans. I get upset when people tell you to sit down when you are jumping around cheering for a play.

Perhaps it might be time for me to switch to watching college games. I went to a VA Tech game last year and we stood the entire game except for half time. It was crazy fun and they don't even serve alcohol at the college games.

Nowhere did they say loud cheering and standing isn't allowed....it's the drunk a-holes that pick fights and shout curses at everybody during the entire game that it seems they are trying to get rid of, and I'm all for that. I think they are trying to make the environment more family friendly, and some stadiums are far from it.

[r8rh8rmike]

Nowhere did they say loud cheering and standing isn't allowed....it's the drunk a-holes that pick fights and shout curses at everybody during the entire game that it seems they are trying to get rid of, and I'm all for that. I think they are trying to make the environment more family friendly, and some stadiums are far from it.

I agree. There's a line many fans cross and those are the ones that these rules are being aimed at, but I think determining that line is going to be a problem, as is enforcement. In addition, as I intimated previously, stadiums certainly help fuel the fire by pushing alcohol, and what happens on the field doesn't exactly set a great example for those in the stands with plenty of disruptive behavior, foul language, rude gestures, taunting of fans and the occasional object being thrown on the field. I guess the NFL mantra will be "do as we say, not as we do".

[HornyRam]

I don't think it is asking so much for people to act in a sensible manner at a public arena.

[r8rh8rmike]

I don't think it is asking so much for people to act in a sensible manner at a public arena.

What's a "sensible manner"? How is that decided? Is dropping an f-bomb in frustration sensible? Is it worthy of being ejected? Is yelling "Take that you whiner!! " to an opposing fan harrassment? The new code of conduct is well meaning, but it's pretty ambiguous and open to lots of problems IMO.