11/22/2025
STRIKE 2: Officials had to remove two of our fans from last night’s basketball game in Whirlwind Gym. This marks the second time we’ve had officials remove one or more of our fans for what they deemed unruly behavior. We were informed that this incident will be reported to the UIL. As a reminder, a new state law allows officials to remove disruptive fans without issuing any warning. Officials chapters have indicated that we will lose officials for home games after 3 incidents. We ask that fans please not put our district and our KIDS in this situation. We’d like to share the following statement :
Fellow Whirlwinds and Lady Winds Fans,
I’d like to start off by thanking you for your support of our student-athletes and programs. Your support of our students and their efforts does not go unnoticed and is appreciated by everyone in our school community. Thank you!
As we begin basketball season, I feel it is necessary to once again remind everyone of our expectations regarding fan behavior. While the vast majority of our fans are positive and do not ever cause any issues, the behavior of a few unruly fans can be generalized to our greater community. This definitely isn’t fair but it’s reality. Quite honestly, I don't want our sports teams to receive a negative label due to some individuals (athletes and/or fans) being unable to control their emotions. I'll be the first to admit that I, myself, get frustrated with certain calls that officials make from time to time. However, I’ve come to realize that officials are human and humans will not ever be perfect. I’ve also come to realize that negatively voicing frustration with calls officials make does not help our teams in situations where a call could go one way or the other. Simply put, if spectators engage negatively with an official, that official will not give us the benefit of the doubt any time there is a close call. I don’t think this means that a fan cannot comment with an “ooh,” “come on, ref,” or another jovial comment on occasion when an official misses a call; however, it should be done with emotional restraint and with good taste. The main thing to remember is that our district athletic events are events that involve KIDS! I strongly believe that kids should not have to witness adults losing control of their emotions in the stands and negatively engaging with officials. We can support our student-athletes in a positive way. I definitely don’t want to take away the passion fans or parents have for their child and their respective sport; however, that passion can be channeled in a positive way. We don’t want repeated acts of fan misbehavior to result in our contests being played without fans in the gym (which can be mandated by the UIL) or to have the sports officials chapter refuse to send officials to cover our contests.
With that said, I feel compelled to share information about the stance our district will take on spectator behavior. The UIL Sportsmanship Manual states the following:
• Always support your team and the efforts of all participants involved.
• Do not intimidate or ridicule a player, coach, or official before, during or after a contest.
• Always praise athletes for their actions during a game.
• A ticket is a privilege to observe the contest, not a license to verbally assault others or be generally obnoxious.
• Learn the rules of the game so that you may understand and appreciate why certain situations take place.
• Always respect the integrity and judgment of officials. They are present to regulate the flow and enforce the rules of the game. An official should never be degraded or ridiculed for a call they make.
• Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators, and support groups. Treat them as guests to your school.
• Use only cheers that support and uplift the teams involved.
• Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
• Refrain from the use of any controlled substance (alcohol, drugs, etc.) before, during, and after the game, on or near the site of the event.
• Be a positive role model at events through your own actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is unbecoming.
Removal from a school event may result in a fan being banned from school events for the remainder of the school year.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We always want our students, athletes, and fans to represent our community in the most positive manner. I know that together we can continue to support our kids while demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gilbert Trevino
Superintendent – Floydada Collegiate Independent School Distri
