University of Connecticut Athletics
Division of Athletics Announces Husky Honor
9/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
Sept. 8, 2009
STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut has instituted a new game day environment and sportsmanship program at its athletic events this year called "Husky Honor." The program is a join venture of several parts of the University including the Division of Athletics, the President's Office, the Division of Student Affairs, the Alumni Association, Undergraduate Student Government, the Office of Environmental Policy and the Division of Public and Environmental Safety, which includes the UConn Police Department. The management teams of Rentschler Field and the XL Center are also key components in this initiative.
The core of "Husky Honor" falls under three major categories - Pride, Responsibility and Respect. The mission of the program is that "The University of Connecticut is committed to honoring collegiate athletic competition by demonstrating pride, responsibility and respect. The UConn community, fans, alumni, students, coaches and student-athletes promote these core values as proud Huskies and first class competitors."
The intent of the program is to be educational and promote good sportsmanship and fan behavior at all UConn athletic events.
"Promoting good sportsmanship and mutual respect among participants and spectactors alike is one of the most pressing issues in college athletics, and the sports industry as a whole," says UConn Director of Athletics Jeffrey Hathaway. "The 'Husky Honor' program provides a beneficial vehicle through which we can encourage positive actions. We have the very best fans and we want them to give UConn a home field advantage with class and dignity using positive and spirited energy."
The NCAA instituted its own sportsmanship program in January of 2009 called "RESPECT" while sportsmanship has also been a top priority of the BIG EAST Conference. The "Husky Honor" program will operate within the philosophies of both the NCAA and the BIG EAST Conference. These philosophies involve building a culture of respect on college campuses around the country, and the conference, by using various messaging tools and by having campus leaders serve as positive role models.
UConn instituted a confidential fan hotline and texting system at football games at Rentschler Field last year and also at men's and women's basketball games at Gampel Pavilion and the XL Center. The phone number at Rentschler Field is 860-610-4884 while texts can be sent to 860-861-8100. The phone number at the XL Center is 860-241-2220 while the texts can be sent to 860-402-7644. At Gampel Pavilion, voice and texts can be sent to 860-543-1961.
This system was designed for fans to anonymously report any behavior that impairs or otherwise interrupts the enjoyment of a UConn contest and will continue to be in place this year. These reports result in immediate response from facility management staff.
"Husky Honor" will use a number of informational tools to reinforce the ideals of good sportsmanship, positive behavior and maintaining a safe environment at games. These tools include: Fans Guides distributed to all football and basketball season ticket holders; recorded messages from coaches and student-athletes at Husky athletic events; and information on the official Division of Athletics website - UConnHuskies.com - in addition to RentschlerField.com and XLCenter.com.
The principles of "Husky Honor" include: Pride - Wear Your Blue and White, Take your seat at Rentschler Field early and stay until the end of the game so you can cheer your team on, Have fun and cheer loudly for your Huskies; Responsibility - Refrain from the use of profanity, Dispose of trash, recycle and keep Rentschler Field clean, Socialize Responsibly; Respect - Respect all coaches, student-athletes and game officials, Respect yourself and your fellow fans, whether they are cheering for UConn or not, Respect the University of Connecticut.
"We have a wide range of fans who attend our athletics events - including families with young children, UConn students and many other Husky supporters," says Hathaway. "We want each and every one of them to have a welcoming experience at our athletic events. 'Husky Honor' encourages cooperation and participation, and all of us can help create the best possible game day atmosphere through this worthwhile program."
Q & A on Husky Honor
Why have you instituted this program?
"Sportsmanship and fan behavior is one of the key issues for all of us in athletics today. It is an important initiative on both the NCAA and BIG EAST Conference level. Not only is it a critical topic on the collegiate level, but on the professional, high school and even youth sport levels. It is important for all of us to show that UConn is first class in every way. We want people to know that they are in the home of the Huskies, but with respect to all fans, participants and officials."
How will this program work?
"The key to `Husky Honor' is education, cooperation and participation. We have a number of ways to get the word out to our fan base about the type of behavior we want to see at games. Those outlets include Fan Guides, Media Guides, our website UConnHuskies.com and video and messages at our games. We want people to show passion for the Huskies, but within a safe and welcoming environment for all."
Who is in charge of the program?
"The Division of Athletics is coordinating this effort. However, there are many University and non-University entities that have come together to get this program going. From the University, we have the Division of Athletics, the Office of Student Affairs, the President's Office and the UConn Police. Our friends at Rentschler Field and the XL Center are also key components in this initiative."
Will you be looking to eject people from games with the program?
"'Husky Honor' is intended to be a positive, educational experience for our fans, coaches and student-athletes. We will continue to have the usual security and public safety officials at games and it is their assignment to make sure that fans are safe and law-abiding. We are starting `Husky Honor' so that all fans will continue to enjoy their time at UConn games."
Is this a program just for fans?
"No, it's not. It is important for all members of the UConn community - including administrators, coaches and student-athletes - to be aware of their actions and promote good sportsmanship. It is important for all us to remember that we are role models."
