MIAC Sportsmanship: Respect Your Rivals

The MIAC is committed to promoting a respectful, positive, and fair environment at all contests and events while upholding values of sportsmanship, integrity, and civility. All members are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical manner when engaged in competition and Conference activities. The MIAC expects student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff members, coordinators, officials, and spectators to maintain the highest levels of sportsmanship and adhere to NCAA and MIAC values.

On behalf of the MIAC Presidents’ Council, this memo is to ensure all student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials understand the conduct expectations in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Every stakeholder is expected to embrace the following key principles:

  • Respect
    • Show respect to your opponents and officials at all times
    • Respect the calls, decisions, and judgment of every official
  • Language
    • Refrain from using inappropriate or vulgar language
    • Avoid harassment and other abusive or disparaging comments
  • Conduct
    • Behave respectfully at all times
    • Treat officials, opposing players, and fans with respect
  • Inclusion
    • Create and maintain a safe environment for all
    • Welcome, support, and include people of all identities and backgrounds

The conference membership requires student-athletes, coaches, and officials to manage the following types of unacceptable  actions, including, but not limited to:

  • Language - Profane, vulgar, threatening, obscene, or derogatory remarks or personal comments relating to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability directed at or referring to any opposing player/bench personnel or game official. 

  • Actions - Taunting, baiting, ridiculing, finger-pointing, trash-talking, or inappropriate gestures (obscene, provoking, and intimidating).

  • Officiating Respect - Comments directed at or referring to any game official that question the integrity of an official. Prolonged, negative responses to a call/no-call, which are disrespectful or unprofessional. MIAC policy specifically states Assistant Coaches are not to communicate negatively with officials at any time.

While the pursuit of victory is the goal of competition, it must be exercised within the best traditions of good conduct expectations. MIAC competitors should always demonstrate respect, practice restraint in the face of varying levels of ability, and model what it means to win with dignity and lose with grace. Any physical or verbal actions that do not align with conference values and expectations may result in warnings, ejections, suspensions, or additional disciplinary during and following contests. 

The MIAC has a long and proud tradition of leadership in college athletics. We aim to continue that legacy by setting a positive example in every competition to ensure that this season will provide a great experience for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans. 

Thank you for your continued efforts to support and enhance sportsmanship, integrity, and respect in the MIAC. 

Respectfully,

Dan McKane, MIAC Commissioner
Dr. Suzanne M. Rivera, Chair of MIAC Presidents' Council

Sportsmanship Links
MIAC Sportsmanship Policy
NCAA RESPECT Campaign
Game Day the DIII Way
Division III Sportsmanship
Character Counts!