BIG EAST Conference Passes New Sportsmanship Rules

[Mama_Bull]

BIG EAST Conference Passes New Sportsmanship Rules

New legislation requires schools to keep individuals off playing fields after games

Aug. 25, 2008

CINCINNATI – The BIG EAST Conference and its member institutions passed new sportsmanship legislation banning non-credentialed individuals from entering the playing surface after the completion of a game. As a member of the conference, the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics will comply with the new rules and beginning with the 2008 football season will discontinue the practice of allowing fans to enter onto the playing surface following a game at Nippert Stadium.

The new rules were enacted for the safety of fans, athletes, and coaches.

“This change was a proactive move by the BIG EAST to make attending games a safer environment for all,†said UC Director of Athletics Mike Thomas. “As a conference, we decided it was time to engage in this matter and worked as a league and member institutions to put forth legislation that was consistent at all BIG EAST venues.â€

The Bearcats kick off the 2008 season this Thursday, Aug. 28 against Eastern Kentucky in Nippert Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/082508acn.html

I fear that the only thing this will result in is more cracked student heads, since schools and police will feel more obligated to keep them off the field. 

[NAM37]

I'll miss the tazers...

[Bull Martin]

Not a fan of this new rule.

I'd like to see something cited where an opposing player has been injured, apart from pride, by fans rushing the field.

[dantheusfman]

Rushing the field is part of college football's traditions. Who here remembers the arial shot of Rutgers when they beat Louisville in 2006 (Sorry for using this example)? It was amazing! In high school, when my marching band won a championship, what did we do to celebrate? Rush the field!! Just imagine the scene if USF would have allowed students to rush the field during the WVU game as time expired. It would have been an amazing ESPN highlight. Just my opinion.

[Bullogna]

I'm starting a petition to ban cheering by the home team when they make an interception, sack , recover a fumble or score a touchdown.  its for the safety of the fans, athletes and coaches.  : : :

[IncrediBULL]

I think rushing the field is immature and dangerous and should be banned.

It is risky for both the fans and the players, mostly because it is disorderly and usually spurred on by alcohol (and no I am not tea - totaling).  

I do enjoy when we get a big win and the players celebrate on the field, and they stay extra long to celebrate by running with the flag and also engaging fans along the wall with hand slaps, etc...   To me that is cool and a lot less dangerous....

After WVU, people broke bones jumping to the field last year.  

Plus coaches don't necessarilly want people grabbing them and getting crazy in the pack.  Why do you think they are escorted off by police...

[psteazy]

this is ridiculous.

were 12501 deep in the student section.

no typical amount of security can stop that stampede

no ones even gonna hear about this anyway

[Stier]

Wonder if they will start fining the schools who rush the field like the SEC does? Didn't see any mention of it.

[TheBullies]

After WVU, people broke bones jumping to the field last year.  

As long as they are their bones, who cares?

[smazza]

silly