From the VHSL

BASKETBALL FANS

On behalf of the 308 member schools of the Virginia High School League, welcome to the 2007 VHSL State Basketball Tournament. We hope all of the teams play great basketball, and that everyone enjoys their time in Richmond.

Good sportsmanship is a top priority of the VHSL. The manner in which your school and community are represented is far more important than whether your team wins or loses the games they play here. Over 600 basketball teams in VHSL member schools started practice back in November, each of them aspiring to win a state championship. 48 teams made it to the tournament. 24 remain. On Saturday, there will be 12 teams playing for the ultimate prize. SIX of 600 will actually win a state championship ? that's one percent. ALL of the teams in this year's tournament should be proud of their accomplishments, and you, as parents, students and team followers should be equally proud and supportive of them as they chase their dream.

Good sportsmanship is all about respect ? respect for oneself, for teammates and coaches, for opposing players and coaches, for contest officials, and for the game. Inappropriate behavior is easy to identify. One need ask only two questions:

Is the observed behavior respectful of the targeted audience?
Does the observed behavior reflect positively on your school?

If the answer to either question is no, then the behavior is inappropriate and must not be tolerated. Respect for players and coaches of participating teams, game officials and tournament personnel must be a priority at all times and in all situations.

Much of the behavior you see televised at college basketball games is inappropriate at ANY level, but most especially at the high school level. The following list, though not inclusive, provides examples of behaviors that are disrespectful and thus unsportsmanlike, but are often witnessed at athletic events.

Turning your back or pretending to read a newspaper during player introductions ? this is disrespectful.

Not standing attentively or shouting "oh"? during the National Anthem ? this is disrespectful.

Booing anyone ? this is disrespectful

Taunting or baiting anyone ? this is disrespectful

Singling out an opponent and yelling personal remarks ? this is disrespectful

Mooing, barking, or making other inappropriate gestures or sounds toward anyone ? this is disrespectful

Chanting such things as "over-rated,"? or "you, you, you"? (after a foul), "warm-up the bus,"? etc. ? these things are disrespectful.

Using profanity toward anyone ? this is disrespectful

Using racial, ethnic or other slurs ? this is disrespectful

Throwing things onto the court or toward others ? this is disrespectful and dangerous

The responsibility for good sportsmanship rests with each and every one of us. One person behaving inappropriately can ruin the state tournament experience for many. Cheer for your team, but respect the other team and the game officials. Be a fan, not a fanatic.

Remember, good sportsmanship is all about respect. Win with humility; lose with grace; do both with dignity.

The following items are NOT allowed in The Siegel Center



2007 Security Measures at
The Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center

In an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of our guests, participants, and staff, the following security measures will be in place for the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.
Prohibited Items:
Alcohol Food & Beverages Umbrellas
Backpacks Sport Bags Coolers, Bottles, Cans
Weapons (of any kind) Video Cameras(most events) Empty Containers
Laser Pointers Artificial Noise Makers Banners/Flags on sticks or poles

Allowable Items: All bags and allowable items subject to search
Purses/Pocketbooks Fanny Packs Cell Phones
Pagers Diaper Bags Binoculars
Still Cameras

These security measures are based upon federal, state, and local law agency recommendations and are designed to increase the safety and security of each and every guest and participant at our events.
VCU thanks you for visiting the Alltel Pavilion at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.



Artificial noisemakers are prohibited by NFHS Basketball Rules. This includes (but is not limited to) bells, whistles, thundersticks, clappers, megaphones (except cheerleaders), horns, etc. Again, this is not a "VHSL" rule, but a national high school basketball rule.

Body paint will not be permitted.

Balloons will not be permitted.

Bare chests will not be permitted ? individuals must remain clothed!

It is strongly suggested that student fans sit in the end zone nearest your team's bench. Students in this area may stand throughout the game if they so desire. If you do not wish to have someone stand in front of you for an entire game, you should not sit in one of the end zones.

In the interest of safety, NO ONE will be permitted on the court at the end of a game. The court is for the teams. DO NOT GO ONTO THE COURT.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Fans who are disruptive, abusive or otherwise inappropriate will be escorted from the building. This includes individuals who choose to sit among fans from another team ? if you are disruptive and/or disrespectful, you will be asked to leave.