The Nebraska and Iowa principals interviewed said they might adopt a policy like Corning's if pushed far enough. But for now, they prefer to handle incidents as they arise. The schools have developed their own strategies to promote good sportsmanship. If he has to, Cozad, Nebraska, athletics director Bill Israelson writes letters to adults who get carried away or are overly critical at games. He tells them they are setting a poor example and embarrassing their children.
Most schools use pep rallies and cheerleaders to promote sportsmanship.
Simply getting students to sit is the first step, said Duane Haith, who coordinates physical education and athletics for the Omaha School District. The important thing, Harty advised, is to make it a priority. And it will get worse quicker than it took to get good. There was plenty of rude behavior when I started playing. But the public saw it less.