Goodell institutes "Fan Code of Conduct"

[PonyExpress]

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.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...als/preview/2008/08/05/fan.code.ap/index.html


I guess Goodell is worried about the reaction of Pats fans on his next visit to Gilette.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Can we call this the "Patriot Act"??

 

[BelichickFan]

I know I'm in the minority but I hate the idea of banning "Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures". A football game isn't for little Joey and Jessica to have a fun afternoon at, IMO. It's for people like us to tell Manning where to go f*ck himself

 

[BradfordPatsFan]

I can see it now...


Jets fans throw snow balls at the visiting team---a good show of support for the home team.

Pats fans boo too loudly---move all games out of Gillette Stadium to punish the fans.

 

[ScottieC]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...als/preview/2008/08/05/fan.code.ap/index.html


I guess Goodell is worried about the reaction of Pats fans on his next visit to Gilette.

Verbal or physical harassment of fans from the opposing team.

Ok, Roger Doger - This is Football not Tennis. I agree with the physical part, obviously, but Verbal? How the hell do you police that and what wus is going to go tell the NFL Police that he's being made fun of? In an opposing stadium? This guys nuts.

 

[DefenseRules]

This man has lost his damn mind. Um Hello, Mr. Commissioner we "FANS" pay to come see your product. Now you want to Govern how "WE" act. This is absurd, IMO. If I want to boo and tell a guy he SUCKS, when he does SUCK, as a paying Customer, I should be allowed to do it in peace. This is Ridiculous.

 

[Sivy]

I'm gonna have to agree with Rodg on this one. This one time, I saw a guy turn around and pee on his seat at a game. All the fights and stupid drink people are not needed at a football game. If I go to a game and I'm a fan of the away team, I expect some good natured ribbing, but if I get a beer poured in me, or sht thrown at me, I expect that person to be kicked out of the place...before both of us get kicked out.

 

[N.Eman]

Goodell is having a nightmare of the booing he's gonna get

 

[Kontradiction]

That's all I'm going to say about that.

 

[Ring 6]

I actually think this started from the Jets Fans taunting women to flash.

 

[Rob0729]

I think fan code of conducts should be reserved for each team. It isn't the NFL's responsibility to police the fans.

I am not as hard on Goodell as many people on this board, but he is ludicrious to even sugguest this.

 

[ScottieC]

I'm gonna have to agree with Rodg on this one. This one time, I saw a guy turn around and pee on his seat at a game. All the fights and stupid drink people are not needed at a football game. If I go to a game and I'm a fan of the away team, I expect some good natured ribbing, but if I get a beer poured in me, or sht thrown at me, I expect that person to be kicked out of the place...before both of us get kicked out.

Well, most of That's against the law and it does not take a comish edict to declare that stadium security won't put up with that.

I'm talking about the "Verbal" part - That's crazy.

 

[ScottieC]

This was a response to the story on PFT, very funny:

"Is Philly exempt from this? if not, the stands will be half-empty before kickoff every week. "

 

[fnordcircle]

Get used to it. The league has more to gain by getting a more family-friendly atmosphere than it does by catering to drunken slobs.

Pink hats buy unis and mittens and scarves and earrings. Drunks in a 1992 Drew Bledsoe shirt buy a few beers since the already got wasted for free while tailgating.

 

[BelichickFan]

Get used to it. The league has more to gain by getting a more family-friendly atmosphere than it does by catering to drunken slobs.

Pink hats buy unis and mittens and scarves and earrings. Drunks in a 1992 Drew Bledsoe shirt buy a few beers since the already got wasted for free while tailgating.

This adds to the lack of noise that we see a lot at newer stadiums. Yes the club seats are a part of it. But so are the "families of four". No offense intended to those who take their kids but 8 year old Joey and 6 year old Jessica don't make the same noise as your pals Bill, Dave and Mike from work.

 

[Rob0729]

I'm gonna have to agree with Rodg on this one. This one time, I saw a guy turn around and pee on his seat at a game. All the fights and stupid drink people are not needed at a football game. If I go to a game and I'm a fan of the away team, I expect some good natured ribbing, but if I get a beer poured in me, or sht thrown at me, I expect that person to be kicked out of the place...before both of us get kicked out.

The Patriots already have rules in place for these things. If the security caught the guy peeing on his seat, he would probably been arrested (as someone stated public urination is a crime), ejected from the game, and lost his seats.

I think the Patriots do a fairly good job policing the stadium. I don't think they need the league to supersede on their behalves. If you ever went to a game pre-Bob Kraft ownership, you would definitely appreciate how he has cleaned up the stadium. Although I also did see a guy pee on the seats during the Snow Bowl game, but security took him away.

 

[Section103]

Re: Doofus Goodell institutes "Fan Code of Conduct"

Missing from this is:

- No cheering
- No booing
- No loud noises of any kind
- No standing (sitting on your hands is mandatory)
- No talking
- No whispering
- No eye contact
- No beer
- No soda
- Nothing caffeinated
- No sleeveless shirts, cut-off shorts or bare mid-sections
- No angry faces
- No smiling
- No laughing
- No crying (exceptions will be made for Jets and Dolphins fans)

In turn the NFL will ensure the following:
- Over-priced food, water and other beverages
- Long bathroom lines
- One ticket for the price of 5.
- Plenty of opportunity to buy NFL licensed merchandise
- Excessive opportunity to go into debt with a new credit card and a free t-shirt (XXXL or S sizes only)
- Fast and easy exit of all stadiums within 10hours of the final whistle.
- Cramped seating
- PSLs
- A borderline criminal price for parking
- Continued coverage of Spygate and the Brett Favre retirement saga

 

[BelichickFan]

Re: Doofus Goodell institutes "Fan Code of Conduct"

In turn the NFL will ensure the following:
- Over-priced food, water and other beverages
- Long bathroom lines
- One ticket for the price of 5.
- Plenty of opportunity to buy NFL licensed merchandise
- Excessive opportunity to go into debt with a new credit card and a free t-shirt (XXXL or S sizes only)
- Fast and easy exit of all stadiums within 10hours of the final whistle.
- Cramped seating
- PSLs
- Continued coverage of Spygate and the Brett Favre retirement saga

Don't forget the borderline criminal price they charge for parking.

 

[Section103]

Re: Doofus Goodell institutes "Fan Code of Conduct"

Don't forget the borderline criminal price they charge for parking.

Done! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

I actually think this started from the Jets Fans taunting women to flash.

That's about the only thing Jets fans have to root for.