Chants banned at high school sports events

The organization that oversees high school athletics in Wisconsin has emailed schools warning them to avoid certain chants that could hurt the feelings of opposing teams.

The e-mailed memo came after the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association reviewed how fans in the stands treated visiting schools and fans.

The memo stated:  "we want to address concerns with a noticeable increase in the amount of chants by student sections directed at opponents and/or opponents’ supporters that are clearly intended to taunt or disrespect."

The memo says that anything that might be interpreted as a taunt, disrespectful or a distraction is banned.

The memo states that displays of support for the fans' home school are welcomed if they are "in a positive manner."

The memo gave examples of "unsporting" chants that include:  “You can’t do that,” “Fundamentals,” “Air ball,” “There’s a net there,” “Sieve,” “We can’t hear you,” The “scoreboard” cheer, and “Season’s over”.

A three-sport star athlete was suspended for three games for tweeting displeasure with the new rules.