NFL announces new fan code of conduct

by JeffHuang | August 5, 2008 at 02:40 pm

974 views | 4 Recommendations | 11 comments

NFL="No Fun League"

The NFL has cracked down and punished players who misbehave either on the field or off the field. First it was rude gestures after celebrating a play from taunting to the "throat cut" that players often do. Then it was the end-zone celebrations from using props to over-excessive celebrations. Players are frustrated by these rules and often calls the league the No Fun League.

Now the commissioner has turned his code of conduct policies to the NFL fans. Most of the rules are common sense and should be followed without being told.

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.

I wonder how hard they are going to enforce these rules. "Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing team" is going to be a tough rule to follow for some people. I have never been to an NFL game, but when I was at Yankees stadium, most of these rules are constantly being broken.

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Amy Judd

at 14:46 on August 5th, 2008

This is so silly - what is the point? Can't they put their efforts to better use? I think all that stuff, well most of it, is just part of the game - it's no fun to take it out.

Simon_Williams

at 06:08 on August 6th, 2008

Fans will be fans...and that normally means having a great time. At this Charger vs Texans game everyone was there for fun. I didn't see anything bad going on in the crowed. I think the NFL is going a little too far with all these "rules" that as you state, should be common sense for the majority. But there will always be the few bad apples that ruin the fun for everyone else. But that's just part of EVERY sport. Not just NFL.

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Emilio Lizardo

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 06:48 on August 6th, 2008

JeffHuang, I like this story. It's good stuff.

The drumbeat continues - Obey Authority, resistance is futile ...

maitri

at 08:02 on August 6th, 2008

The ban is a bit excessive as stadium rules already exist for fan behavior. Poor fan behavior has already resulted in ejection from the stadium and legal charges as applicable.

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mleadon

at 09:01 on August 6th, 2008

The day of this photo there was a Kansas City fan dressed in full gear. I think someone threw something at him. He turned around and started cursing at everyone, and was close to getting into a fight. It eventually escalated and the police came and escorted him out.

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Brandon Haffner

at 09:12 on August 6th, 2008

Good story, Go Raiders!

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intechpcx

at 09:59 on August 6th, 2008

Over 70,000 fans cram into Lambeau Field getting ready to watch the Green Bay Packers take part in a full team scrimmage at the 2005 edition of Packers Family Night.

intechpcx has contributed a photo to this story.

MRNohr

at 14:49 on August 6th, 2008

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sittingbl

at 17:52 on August 6th, 2008

Packer fans are the greatest. Its just a fact.

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DCDOGG

at 18:27 on August 6th, 2008

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Woodman

at 06:35 on August 25th, 2008

If you are worried about your children witnessing rowdy drunken adult behavior, take the kiddies to Chucky Cheese. If you want to feel the true energy of a sport event like the Dallas Cowboy's winning against the Green Bay Packers, leave the kiddos at home. It is sad that the NFL is wasting its time and resources on something they cannot control. If they were really serious about these rules of conduct, they would stop selling beer at the games and prohibit it in the parking lot. Beer brings the game to life and the true fans conduct themselves according to which team is winning.