Due to hostile crowds at high school games around the state, OSAA implemented a new rule regarding spectator and player conduct, in reaction to legislation approved by Oregon lawmakers this summer.

“All cheers, comments and actions shall be in direct support of one’s team,” OSAA regulations state. “No cheers, comments or actions shall be directed at one’s opponent or at contest officials.”

The rule was brought into prominence to the TuHS student body at the Welcome Back Assembly, when Principal Michael Dellerba stressed the importance of fair play and compliance with the sportsmanship standards set by OSAA.

“The rule is still pretty vague when considering the many ways it can be interpreted by both coaches and referees,” said TuHS Athletic Director Ted Rose. “Regardless, we need to always remember that as a student body, chants can only be directed to our student-athletes in a positive manner. We cannot direct anything to an opposing player or team.”

At the beginning of the school year, there was some confusion in the student body about what inspired the new rules. During a preseason non-league soccer game, a visibly vexed Tualatin player was given his marching orders after a short, animated confrontation with the match official, which also resulted in a one-game ban for the player.

In reality, the skirmish and expulsion had no correlation with the new OSAA hate speech bylaws, as was previously rumored. Contrary to popular belief, the rule was not at all enacted from a player-ref standpoint, but rather inspired by the opposing coach, who felt that certain chants coming from our home stands did not abide by the new guidelines. The complaint from the coach was dismissed by the match official and was consequently not outlined in his match report.

For the moment, Rose continues to work with OSAA, and wants the TuHS crowds to remain positive.

“TuHS has a reputation for quality athletics and a really big supporting and spirited student body, and we would like to keep it that way without overstepping any bounda