Question Number: 26844

Other 9/26/2012

RE: highschool varsity and JV High School

robbie of willits, ca usa asks...

I was just at my local high school women's soccer game cheering on the team, when an administrator from the school asked me to stop cheering or to leave because the coach couldn't communicate with players. they said it is stated in the california high school athletics association handbook that there is no cheering at soccer games. when asked to show me the rule they had no handbook, only that is word from the athletic director of the school. I have searched for this rule and have found nothing. can you help me?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Robbie
This is not a refereeing question but one that needs to be directed to the Athletic Director.
In general only referees have the power to ask for the removal of spectator/s that interfere with the conduct of a contest or cause an official to become distracted through continual, unrelenting verbal abuse.
It is highly unlikely that cheering for a team would not be allowed and one that many if not all referees would find impractical to enforce. I understand there are rules about no coaching by spectators and their location on the side of the field but I have not read anywhere that cheering is prohibited. I suspect that the coach did not like the cheering and came up with a 'way' of trying to stop it.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Sounds like someone was annoyed with you, and was making it up as they went along.

If your cheering went beyond normal congratulations and maybe started getting into coaching the players (or heavens, criticism), I can see why they might want you to be quiet. Maybe a ersatz 'no cheering' rule was easier than them coming right out and shushing you. Not saying that's what happened, but it might be one explanation.

Some schools have rules about using artificial noisemakers, horns, drums, etc.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Reeks of manure
Contact your principle