Unsportsmanlike conduct at UW-Platteville athletic events is causing a change in the athletic department’s policies and procedures toward negative behavior.

Before the athletic department began charging admission to soccer games, the entrance gates to the stadium were left wide open at the beginning of all games. Not having the entrances staffed meant the freedom for any spectator to bring in anything they wanted, Mark Molesworth, UW-P athletic director, said.

At the gates, the staff checks all sorts of bags by asking their owners to open them up to show the contents. So far, none of the events have brought forth complaints regarding this new policy, Molesworth said.

Problems began to occur when spectators were not only bringing pets into the games, but also alcohol. Neither are allowed into the stadium, Laurel Skrede, director of protective services, said.

“It is not that much of an issue yet, but they noticed small problems that they want to take care of before it becomes a bigger problem,” Skrede said.

There have been new signs posted at the entrances to the stadium that inform spectators about carry-ins and the policy on domestic animals, Molesworth said.

“I understand that there’s two sides to it, and that other facilities like stadiums do the same procedures to eliminate problems, but at the same time it seems a little over the top,” Maria Perry, a senior
communication technologies major, said.

Realizing that even with these new policies, unsportsmanlike conduct can still be a problem, the athletic department has decided to stress the importance of good sportsmanship to promote a positive image for UW-P. Students not displaying good sportsmanship will receive a warning in the form of a small orange booklet that states the disorderly conduct warning and the UW-P and WIAC
Sportsmanship Code. After receiving this warning, if the student does not change their behavior for the better, they will be asked to leave the event, Molesworth said.

The intention isn’t to take away fans’ cheering abilities, but to promote positive cheering without negatively singling out the other team’s players and fans, Molesworth said.

“UW-P is a good institution,” Molesworth said. “It shouldn’t be judged by the actions of one individual that may reflect poorly on the university.”