Policies for Spectators

Sportsmanship

It’s pretty simple. Whichever team you are cheering for, your classmates, sons, daughters, nephews, and nieces have all worked hard to represent the institution you are backing. Show your pride in their effort, rather than your distaste for the opposing team or officials. By insulting the opposition, you diminish the accomplishment of the victors, and disrespect the efforts of the vanquished.

At Franklin & Marshall, we take sportsmanship seriously. Our Director of Athletics serves on the NCAA’s Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, and is determined to forge a positive example in the increasingly hostile world of fandom.

Prior to the start of each contest, the public address announcer or a team captain will read the following statement:

Franklin & Marshall joins the NCAA and Centennial Conference in promoting good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting participants and officials in a positive manner. Profanity, racial or sexist comments, or other intimidating acts directed at student-athletes, officials, or team representatives will not be tolerated, and are grounds for removal from the site of competition.

Untoward behavior may result in your immediate ejection from the venue of competition. If any spectator is impeding on your ability to enjoy a contest at Franklin & Marshall, please find the nearest administrator or Department of Public Safety officer to assist you in resolving the issue.

Admission

In accordance with the practices of the Centennial Conference, Franklin & Marshall does not charge admission to any regular season sporting events.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Fans are not permitted to possess or use any alcohol or tobacco products in any of Franklin & Marshall’s athletic venues.

Pets

Pets are not permitted in any of the indoor venues. They are welcome at the outdoor venues provided they are leashed, cleaned up after, and not in the seating areas.

Photography

Only credentialed photographers will be granted field access for photography. Credentials can be applied for through the office of Athletic Communications. Please contact Steve Peed, Director of Athletic Communications, or Jill Yamma, Director of Sports Information, clearly stating the following:

• Sport you wish to shoot
• Date of contest you wish to shoot
  
• The media organization or department you represent
• Contact information for your assigning editor
  

Tailgating

The Department of Athletics and Recreation welcomes you to Franklin & Marshall College.  The parking and tailgating policies below are designed to ensure your safety and comfort during your visit to campus for athletic events.  Please respect the needs of others by keeping sidewalks and roadways clear of obstructions for those using wheelchairs or walking with assistive devices, respect the beauty of the grounds, and follow the directives of our parking attendants, public safety and special events staff.

Parking Regulations:

• Parking is permitted only in designated spaces. Parking on islands, medians or berms is not permitted. Parking remains subject to all College parking rules and regulations.
• Parking on grass is not permitted except in designated areas and as directed by or parking attendants and special events staff.
• Parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be saved.
• Parking areas must be cleared two (2) hours after the conclusion of an event that takes place.

Motor Homes/Campers (RVs):

• All recreational vehicles must preregister with the Public Safety Office (717) 291-3939 prior to arrival and may park only in assigned locations.
• RVs may enter campus five hours prior to a scheduled event.
• RV spaces must be vacated two (2) hours after the conclusion of the event.

Tailgating Regulations:

• F&M Public Safety shall designate permissible tailgating areas/parking spaces that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be saved.
• Tailgating is permitted only in areas where the flow of traffic is not obstructed and must comply with all College regulations. Tailgating that uses or infringes upon an additional adjacent parking space is not permitted.
• Only small weighted tents may be erected in tailgating /parking lot areas. Larger tents that require staking must be rented and erected under the supervision of F&M facilities staff. Notify the Associate Athletic Director at lease five (5) days prior to the event. Call (717) 358-4406 for information.
• Waste food items and trash, including charcoal, must be disposed of in appropriate containers, which are provided throughout the grounds.
• Kegs, party balls, pooling or mass purchases of alcohol are not allowed.
• Private Tailgates Hosted by Faculty, Staff, Parents and Fans: Private social events at homes and in similar settings such as tailgates are a tradition of long standing and are a means through which faculty, staff and students can widen the context in which they know each other. College policy still precludes the serving of alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age. Hosts who furnish alcohol that is consumed by underage students incur personal criminal risks, College judicial sanctions, and personal civil liability exposure (for injuries to the minors themselves or any persons injured by the minors' subsequent activities).
• College Sponsored Closed Invitation Tailgates: These are campus-sponsored events which are restricted to "invited guests only" such as Alumni Office Sponsored Tailgates, Football Alumni Tailgate, Corporate Sponsor Tailgates. Alcohol may be available in accordance with College policy and all state laws. Major requirements include: the event must be approved by and registered with the Dean of Students, signs about the legal age for consumption must be posted; alcohol must be dispensed by a CHAMPS trained, professional bartender - not an undergraduate, and alcoholic beverages must not be served to anyone intoxicated or under 21.
• College Open Invitation Scheduled Events: These are College sponsored events which are open to the entire College community and, frequently, to non-college personnel as well. Such College sponsored events must be alcohol free, without exception.
• Any violation of tailgating regulations may result in immediate termination of tailgating privileges and criminal prosecution or disciplinary action through the F&M Security Office, the Dean of Students Office or local law enforcement agencies.

For information or questions, call (717) 358-4406 (Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30 pm)