Mississippi State University’s Athletic Director Scott Stricklin has advised fans to follow the highest cowbell etiquette during No. 3 MSU’s match up with No. 2 Auburn on Saturday. 
In an email sent out on Wednesday, Stricklin said it perplexes him that 25 percent of the fans continue to ignore the rules on cowbell etiquette.
“Dak Prescott doesn’t need fans ringing when they shouldn’t to make a dazzling play for our State. Bernardrick McKinney doesn’t need fans ringing when they shouldn’t in order to deliver a crushing tackle. Why anyone who professes love for this university would ring their cowbell when they’ve been told not to do so is beyond me. It’s selfish and disrespectful, two things Mississippi State does NOT represent. When you ring at times not allowed, you are telling Mark Keenum, Dan Mullen, myself and thousands of Bulldogs who have worked hard to legitimize this great tradition at our games that you don’t appreciate their efforts and that you’re willing to risk having cowbells removed from Davis Wade Stadium altogether in the future,” Stricklin said.
According to a December 2013 ESPN report, the SEC had imposed $25,000 fine on MSU for violating league policies during the football season. The report said, “Mississippi State was fined for violating the league’s artificial noisemaker policy a second time. The school’s last violation was in 2010. Mississippi State fans have a tradition of bringing cowbells to games, which the league approved, as long as they are used only at approved times.”
MSU has repeatedly campaigned through the ring responsibly campaign urging fans to not ring when it is not appropriate, especially when the center touches the ball. 
MSU’s “Respect the Bell” website says, “As you know, the cowbell has long been a symbol of Bulldog pride, loyalty and enthusiasm. Cowbells are as important to Mississippi State as is the color maroon, the Drill Field and the Chapel of Memories. Compliance with the cowbell compromise will continue to determine the future of cowbells at Davis Wade Stadium. It is the responsibility of each member of the Mississippi State family to ensure that our tradition continues at football games long into the future.”
In his email on Wednesday Stricklin said a vast majority of the fans do follow the rules governing cowbells.
“To those of you who do so, thanks. If you see someone disregarding the rules, do me a favor and ask them to stop. If we continue having this issue, security will be deployed to either remove offending cowbells, or the individuals who are ringing irresponsibly, from the stadium,” he said.
Remember, we   are allowed to bring cowbells into Davis Wade Stadium because the other 13 SEC schools voted to allow it. If we continue to have problems following the rules, then they may decide to rescind that privilege. The last thing any of us want is to have to install metal detectors at the gates. I appreciate everyone’s diligence with this important issue.” 
Stricklin has also advised fans against rushing the field if MSU wins the game. In a response to a fan on Twitter who  asked whether fans were allowed to rush on the field Stricklin said, “No. Stay in stands & sing alma mater/fight song w/players.”
On Thursday night, through social media, a group of Auburn fans revealed they will be bringing cowbells to Davis Wade stadium this Saturday.
In a tweet to Stricklin, a MSU fan asked, “If we win you know Aub is going to turn us into the SEC whether we broke the rules or not. Them bringing bells gives us an out. Clang away.” to which Stricklin responded, “If bells are ringing from only the visitor section, then A) there won’t be enough to matter, B) it will be obvious, C) no fine.”
For more information on cowbell etiquette, visit respectthebell.com.