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Tampa Serves As Model For NFL's New Fan Code

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 12, 2008

TAMPA - Buccaneer fans this season will have a new way to alert authorities to bad behavior around them at Raymond James Stadium: A special line where they can send anonymous text messages by phone.

The service comes as the NFL is instituting a new policy on fan behavior that spells out when people can be booted from the stands.

But the stadium's operators don't expect to see much change from the new measures.

"We have always made fan enjoyment and safety our No. 1 priority at the stadium," said Barbara Casey, spokeswoman for the Tampa Sports Authority.

Some fans somewhere appear to be causing problems, though, so the NFL adopted the new policy last week and introduced it this way on its Web site:

"The fan code of conduct is designed to set clear expectations and encourage a stadium environment that is enjoyable for all fans. Teams may add additional provisions to the standard code based on local circumstances or preferences."

The code was adopted by the league and its 32 teams, including the Buccaneers, "to help promote a positive fan environment at NFL stadiums," the NFL said.

Here is some of the behavior prohibited under the new policy:

•Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal.

•Intoxication to the point of irresponsible behavior.

•Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

•Interference with the game, including throwing of objects onto the field.

•Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel.

•Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans.

Tampa police Maj. Marc Hamlin, who has coordinated and worked security at Bucs games since 1991, was part of a group from Tampa that helped shape the new code of fan behavior during an NFL panel discussion in Dallas in June.

He said the league looked to Tampa as a model because crowds at Raymond James were somewhat better behaved than in other cities.

"We have very good policies in place there," he said.

Hamlin said fan behavior during Buccaneer games has "improved dramatically over the years."

It started when the Bucs became successful in the late 1990s and more season tickets were sold.

People with season tickets "have more of an investment in their tickets," he said, and they tend to be better behaved.

"The better the Bucs do," he said, "the less problems we have."

At Raymond James, announcers tell fans before each game about the things that will get them booted or jailed. Now fans have the text messaging line, too, and wherever you are in the stadium, someone in authority is probably nearby, Casey said.

"We have ushers in the stands, law enforcement officers in the stands and staff there as well," she said. "But we are fortunate. Our fans are well-behaved. But that doesn't' mean, on occasion, our fans don't misbehave.

"The toughest problem we ever have is that our fans have a tendency to abuse people in other gear."

Ken Morris, a Buccaneers fan who has attended nearly every home game for 10 years, remembers a time like that. He came across a man sprawled out on a ramp, wearing the jersey of the Philadelphia Eagles – a group legendary for its misbehavior.

But it was a fan of the home team who threw the sucker punch, Morris said. And for no apparent reason.

That memorable experience was a rare one, though, he said.

"I've never been in a situation where it just ruins my day."

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at 9813) 259-7760 or kmorelli@tampatrib.com.

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