Band officially warned to adhere to SWAC game time policies
Birmingham, Ala. – In its continuing efforts to improve the overall experience of its athletic events and member institutions adhere to the policies set forth, the Southwestern Athletic Conference has levied sanctions against one of its member institutions. The Mississippi Valley State University marching band has been publicly reprimanded by the SWAC for failure to comply with league procedures and policies during conference football contests.
The offense occurred during the Mississippi Valley State home game vs. Prairie View A&M on November 10, 2012.
Conference rules state that: “once the offensive team breaks the huddle and approaches the line of scrimmage, the band shall cease playing.” By rule, the band was asked to stop playing three times by both the referee and the public address announcer.
SWAC rules state that: “on the 2nd offense the violating band will be reprimanded and suspended from performing during their next contest and/or fined an amount to be determined by the Commissioner. On the 3rd offense the violating band will be suspended from performing the remainder of the season. ”
“The Conference office will continue to promote an atmosphere of sportsmanship at all SWAC sporting events. The SWAC bands are a major part of the game day experience and must work within the SWAC rules and regulations of the Conference to ensure that they are a positive element at SWAC events and disregard of these rules will not be tolerated”, stated SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp.
MVSU’s band is the second this season to be reprimanded by the conference. The Jackson State University marching band was also sanctioned earlier this month.
– Courtesy: SWAC.org
