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Ding, ding, ding. The high school athletic season is well underway, and the bell signifies round two of the “Two Strike” sportsmanship policy instituted last school year by the New Mexico Activities Association.
To refresh memories, if an athletic program or its fans commit what the NMAA deems “egregious” behavior, a first strike can be handed out, putting that program on notice. A second strike might lead to further action, including a team or fan base suspension for the season.
I’ll try not to dwell too much on some bad memories. The Belen and Valley football teams were handed the state’s initial first strike after a melee during their game in September 2023.
Shortly after the dust cleared from that contest, Sally Marquez, NMAA executive director, was very firm when she told me the punishment was not given to send a message. Marquez maintained the message was clear when a strong majority of member schools approved the “Two Strikes” bylaw, including the Belen and Los Lunas school districts.
The NMAA came calling again a few weeks later following a scuffle on the pitch between Valencia and Highland boys’ soccer players that also saw several fans run onto the field. Both programs and fan bases received a first strike.
Also on the soccer pitch, Belen fans were removed last week from a girls’ match when the game officials deemed that some of their repeated behavior, yelling about what they believed were bad calls, went over the line.
The final straw came when one man shouted, “You’re going to get someone hurt,” after a BHS player fell to the turf during what appeared to me to be a clean tackle. I would hear that shout from time to time while officiating basketball, which was aggravating.
The contest was stopped once in the first half and several times in the final 40 minutes. After an on-field meeting with BHS coach Ernest Gonzales and Steven Contreras, Belen athletic coordinator, Eagles fans were told to leave. The bad behavior of a few cost all BHS supporters the chance to watch the kids play.
Before the “Two Strikes” policy, officials would usually allow that type of behavior to go unchecked. Now, officials may feel more supported and emboldened to act sooner.
Last fall, there were several instances of poor behavior that left me shaking my head. Most involved adults, not students. As an example, one assistant football coach, not from Valencia County, yelled at his players, “Kill ‘em. Kill ‘em.”
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The most infuriating behavior came during a girls’ soccer game at BHS, when the visiting coach stormed the field at halftime after his team gave up a late goal. The coach raced to midfield, screaming at one player. With the coach towering over her, the player stood timidly while being berated for about a minute in front of all of us.
One can only imagine the negative impact this lambasting might have on a teenager. The scene continued until the game official ushered the coach to the sideline and gave him a yellow card. A red card would have been more appropriate.
The display bothered me so much that I called the coach’s principal to complain. I left a voice mail sharing part of what happened, adding I would like a call back. The call was never returned.
Despite these examples, I believe progress curtailing poor sportsmanship is being made. It seems there are fewer unruly situations. Maybe a message was received.
About 20 first strikes were levied in 2023-24 statewide, with no second strikes. Overall, I have witnessed fewer mean-spirited outbursts, with fewer catcalls directed at players, coaches and officials. Still, fan behavior is a long way from ideal.
How to improve the situation? School administrators and security work hard to quash any issues, but more time spent walking among the fans or pulling up a seat in the bleachers might be beneficial. Don’t wait for situations to fester. Deal with it quickly. Too early is better than too late.
It may be uncomfortable or risky, but in some situations, fans might police themselves. Find another spot in the bleachers away from the problem area.
Some may tell me to “stay in my own lane.” After all, it’s easy to say, “do this, do that,” without knowing all the details.
However, I’ve seen it from several perspectives; as a parent who spent plenty of time grousing from the stands, as a coach, the spouse of a coach and as an official who has been the target of countless barbs from coaches and fans. In truth, this “lane” is all of ours.
