An increase in violence by players and fans at college hockey games convinced the NCAA to draft a set of rules last spring to maintain sportsmanship at the games.
The NCAA, in particular, has expressed concern with fans shouting obscenities and player violence instigated by taunting and other unsportsman-like activities.
The NCAA has also produced an annoucement that will be broadcast at college hockey games this weekend.
RPI hockey players and fans will hear the announcement during the Engineers’ first home game against McGill University on Saturday.
In response to concerns by students that they are being singled out by the NCAA, David Haviland, vice president for student life, has emphasized that all educational institutions with college hockey programs will have to abide by the new sportsmanship rules.
According to the NCAA, the announcement that will be broadcast on Saturday:
"The NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee promotes good sportmanship by student athletes, coaches, and spectactors. The committee requests your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student athletes, coaches, or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site."
