Multiple San Diego sports officials gathered together on Tuesday to outline a new fan code of conduct for local athletic venues.
Chargers president A.G. Spanos and Padres CEO Mike Dee were joined by local university officials to present enhanced policies which they hope will complement existing rules.
“The goal of our work is to ensure a quality spectator experience for fans of youth, high school, collegiate and professional sports throughout the region,” said Mike McDowell, president of the San Diego Sports Commission.
The goal is to have the new code of conduct focus on behavior that “detracts from the spectator experience.”
Meaning: They want fans to be respectful. Not just of other fans, but also toward players and venue staff.
That means no yelling obscenities, punching players or fighting.
McDowell said local teams, ranging from the San Diego State Aztecs to youth soccer, will let fans know about the policies going forward.
“We are not attempting to replace any existing codes of conduct but hope that this focused and fan-friendly version will enhance fan involvement and serve to underscore the fact that breaking any of these common sense rules may subject violators to ejection or arrest,” said McDowell.
Dees said that the new code helps reinforce team’s commitment to an extraordinary fan experience.
“This code provides a clearly communicated framework to support that cooperation,” he said.
Spanos said he wants fans to be safe in the stadium and in the parking lot.
“We want all fans attending our games to enjoy the experience in a responsible fashion,” he said. “We enthusiastically support this effort to develop and promote a culture of sports fan courtesy and positive conduct throughout the region.”
