THE NFHS VOICE - High School Sports Fans: Simmer Down or Sit Down
January 22, 2025
By Dr. Karissa Niehoff
If you’re a fan of high school sports, we need to talk.
When you’re at the game, do you lose control? If so, everyone sees it—the teachers, the officials, the other fans, the parents, and most importantly, the student-athletes. They see you at your worst. And it leaves an impression—not just of you and the school but all high school athletics.
Research consistently underscores that kids look to adults as inspiration for who they want to be and how they want to live. That’s because adults set the tone. Adults show what behaviors are acceptable and what aren’t. Adults mold perceptions of what it is to be good and bad, and adults pass down the tools to help tell the difference.
So, ask yourself, what difference are you creating? And what molds are you setting?
When you’re around kids, do you act like a role model? Are you on your best behavior, knowing that your actions have an impact? Or do you see watchful eyes fixed on you and think this is my moment?
Simmer down or sit down. Let’s show them how it’s done.
Visit BenchBadBehavior.com to join the #BenchBadBehavior movement.
Online link to article: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/high-school-sports-fans-simmer-down-or-sit-down/
Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her seventh year as chief executive officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the first female to head the national leadership organization for high school athletics and performing arts activities and the sixth full-time executive director of the NFHS. She previously was executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for seven years.
