Last Tuesday night, student spectators rushed the court in celebration after the University of South Carolina men’s basketball team, in a 73-61 victory, defeated Kentucky, who was ranked third in the country at the time.
The next day, I was shocked to hear that the enthusiasm and supportiveness of USC’s students has resulted in the university being slapped with a $5,000 fine by the SEC. Unknown to many, the SEC has instituted a new policy that punishes its member institutions if they allow fans to enter a basketball court or football field at any time before, during or after an athletic event.
The SEC ruling was passed rather suddenly Dec. 1. On Nov. 19, not one month before this, the infamous fight during the Pacers/Pistons game occurred, involving both players and fans. This incident undoubtedly affected the SEC’s decision to enact the new spectator policy. SEC Commissioner Mike Slive stated that the regulation’s purpose is “to create a safe environment for everyone who participates and attends our athletic contests.”
However, this policy would not have prevented the NBA violence. The brawl was not a result of fans entering the basketball court. Instead, one of the athletes leapt into the stands and attacked a spectator. The fans certainly are not without blame, since some incited the attack by throwing items from the stands.
However, this is not the debated point. Why did an NBA game, in which a player left the court and entered the stands, result in college students not being able to celebrate a victory with their fellow student-athletes? The SEC overreacted to a singular event that has little likelihood of occurring in NCAA basketball.
The SEC’s new policy states that “access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times.” This guideline applies to football and men’s and women’s basketball games.
The punishment for breaking this rule is a fine that grows with each offense. The first violation will cost the university $5000; subsequent transgressions could result in fees amounting to up to $25,000 for a second offense and $50,000 for a third or following offense, depending on the judgment of the SEC commissioner.
Also, spectators who disobey the regulation can be ejected from the game, placed under arrest and barred from acquiring tickets to upcoming athletic events. All 12 SEC schools have accepted the policy.
The idea behind this regulation, keeping students out of the area of play, is not new. SEC Bylaw 10.5 already stated that fans should “refrain from entering the playing field at any times, including after the game.” Yet, for years, students have flowed onto playing fields after their team wins an important or extremely exciting game. Security has tried to prevent this from happening, but, once the stands are emptied and the field is filled, police officers generally allow the celebration.
Spectators know and understand that they are not supposed to enter the court or the field usually. However, it is expected that fans will flood the arena floor after an extraordinary performance. The SEC seeks to punish that tradition and the universities that allow it to continue.
I have no problem with the general purpose behind the ruling. Certainly, fans should be prevented from entering the playing field before and during games. There is no place for spectator interference during an athletic event. However, joyous fans crowding an arena floor to celebrate with their fellow students after the completion of a game can hardly be termed interference.
I find this new policy ridiculous. SEC institutions will now be penalized for allowing their students to display school spirit. Imposing such strict standards is unlikely to reduce episodes of violence; people bent on hostility will not be hindered by a fine that they do not even have to pay.
The ones who will suffer most from this new ruling are the universities themselves. Students are not likely to be daunted by this unreasonable policy. Most do not even know that it exists.
Suppose university officials do manage to eradicate the court-crowding practice in all SEC schools. What has been accomplished? Only the unfortunate demise of a harmless tradition. This regulation poses no beneficial consequences; the only result will be to discourage students from investing emotionally in their school’s athletics.
Tracey Apperson is a sophomore communication major. She can be reached at [email protected].