MANITOULIN— While a fan of the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs hockey team says he feels it is an insult that fans are given a code of conduct on how to act at the team’s home games a local trustee with the Rainbow District School Board speaking on his own behalf is appealing sanctions that the team had to agree to have its Friday games changed back to the normal 7 pm start time.
“At the hockey games now, when you go in the front door and pay to get in you receive a list of the players’ names for both teams. And on the back of that roster list is a propaganda list of code of conduct rules and regulations on how fans are supposed to conduct themselves at games,” said Bob Lewis of South Baymouth last week.
“I’ve been going to hockey games for over 60 years; I don’t need someone to tell me how to act at games.”
“At the last two MSS games at home there is very little cheering, the fans are so quiet,” said Mr. Lewis. “There are teachers and volunteers in fluorescent security vests keeping an eye on fans, to stay in line. I’m sure all the people on Manitoulin Island who attend the games do not appreciate what is going on.”
“I just don’t think it is appropriate,” said Mr. Lewis. “I think is an insult to the students, players and fans around Manitoulin Island. And these sanctions have been put in place because of an incident involving Lockerby players, not MSS players, last season at the Little Current arena.”
“Speaking on behalf of myself, the Sudbury District Secondary School Athletic Association is not part of our board (Rainbow District School Board),” said Larry Killens. “I’ve launched an official complaint with the league on the sanctions that have been put in place for MSS, but have not received a reply as of yet. It was the team opposing MSS that had the severe penalties handed out to them in the game last season, but it is MSS that is being penalized by these sanctions. The MSS players did nothing wrong in the game, based on the game and referee reports on the game (last season).”
“It wasn’t all the members of the Lockerby team that caused the problems in the game last season, it was just a couple of players,” said Mr. Killens. “Meanwhile MSS and the whole Manitoulin community is being penalized by this organization (SDSSAA). I think there needs to be a retraction, the sanctions lifted and an apology given to MSS.”
“I didn’t attend the last couple of MSS home games, but I have heard from some fans and I agree it is an insult to have this code of conduct for fans attending on the game program,” said Mr. Killens. “Who mandated this list being there and who gave approval for to have the code of conduct on the back of the player’s roster for fans to follow?”
“The Manitoulin Island gets behind MSS and fans know how to conduct themselves at games,” stated Mr. Killens.
The spectator guidelines for good sportsmanship and behaviour (listed on the back of the MSS hockey roster list handed out at games) states, “it is the responsibility of all of us to maintain the highest standards of respect and conduct while attending our Mustang hockey games. We can do this by following some of these simple strategies: show your interest in and enthusiasm for the game by cheering and applauding good play; always maintain self-control; show your respect for all student athletes, coaches and officials; use appropriate language; Foul, abusive and disrespectful language has no place at a high school event; remember that the referee enforces the rules. Whether one agrees with the call or not, the call is final; remember that you are attending a high school game to support student athletes who represent Manitoulin Secondary School; be aware that your conduct as a fan is a direct reflection on Manitoulin Secondary School; enjoy the positive community atmosphere that is created by our Island wide Mustang fans. Thank you for your ongoing support.”
