By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The high school sports season is underway. The Great Bend High School cross country and soccer teams have already hosted events, and the Panther football team plays its home opener against Olathe South on Friday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. At Monday's USD 428 Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent John Popp reminded visitors of expected behavior at sporting events.
"It's getting harder and harder to find both coaches as well as referees and umpires," he said. "We would ask anybody who comes to understand that it is a middle or high school sporting activity for kids. It's to grow kids, to help them learn and grow and be good, productive adults. It is not about whether or not the official made the exact, right call every moment throughout the game."
Fans are expected to cheer positively for teams and athletes and refrain from bringing prohibited items, such as alcohol and weapons. Middle and high school students typically have their own seating section, and elementary students should be seated with adults.
"We don't really want to see pick-up football games behind the stadium," Popp said. "We don't want to see basketball games in the hallway at the high school or anything like that. If they're coming to watch the event, they should watch the event."
The Panther football team will also play at home on Sept. 20, Sept. 27, and Oct. 18. The board agreed similar practices should be maintained when Great Bend teams play on the road.