Fan Conduct Class Blog

As we approach the end of the year, the excitement and frustration of seeing our teams either moving toward Superbowl glory or get knocked out for the season bring up lots of feelings.  What can fans do to make their game day experience the best it can be, while still having fun?  Here are a handful of holiday tips for improving your fan behavior.

1. Really monitor how much you drink.  Drinking impairs one's ability to make good judgments and decisions.  Drink responsibly or don't drink at all.

2. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the game, park and find your seat.  Sometimes the stress of getting to the game can make the experience unpleasant or make one behave badly towards others.

3. Remember, everyone attending the game is there to have fun.  Not everyone is going to like the same team or players you do.  As the saying goes, "live and let live".  Others have a right to like whomever they wish, and so do you.

4. Think about your behaviors.  Ask yourself, is what I am doing going to negatively or positively impact those around me.  Kindness goes a long way.  If your respectful to those around you, they might in turn be respectful to you.

5. Remember, attending games is about having fun.  Don't lose your perspective!

Ari Novick, Ph.D.

Most people who take our program, do so as a result of being ejected from a NFL or MLS game for violating the stadiums "fan code of conduct".  What most people might be surprised to know is that only about .05% of fans ever get ejected from a game.  The question we get asked the most is the following, "what is the major reason for a fan to get ejected?".  The answer to that question is a bit complicated.  Fans get ejected for reason that most would consider common sense, such as being reckless and intoxicated in public, starting a fight or excessive use of profanity.

The Fan Conduct Class was designed to help improve the game day experience and overall fan safety.  We don't expect that fan violence will end as a result of this program, but we do hope that this program, in conjuntion with other league efforts will move toward this goal.

Attending games should be fun, exciting and enjoyable for everyone.  Our hope is that this very small percentage of people that take our programs learn some new skills and gain some insight into how to behave more appropriately when they do attend their next game.  For those that might have questions about our classes, please feel free to contact our office at 949-715-2694.

Although the recent article in The New York Times, "NFL-Approved  Therapist for Fans Draws Scrutiny" made some important points, the article lost its focus on what’s important – that managing fan behavior at NFL sporting events enhances game experience and fan safety. Instead, the Times focused on areas of my biography that were out of date, citations that had not carried over from a prior, much larger program and two professional memberships that had lapsed. All of this has been fixed.

The Times also made reference to referral fees for professional services, which is simply inaccurate. For the last three years, I have worked closely with the NFL to create an online program to meet the needs for fan safety and improve the game day experience. My credentials have always been intact, I am both licensed, with advanced degrees, and specialize in this work. We have made great strides and we are proud of the momentum. The NFL and I will continue to move forward and make this program as strong as possible.

Ari Novick, Ph.D.
www.fanconductclass.com

On January 10th, 2013 an article surfaced about this NYT writer.  Not exactly the most credible reporter.  Read here

The Fan Conduct Class program was developed to improve fan safety and make the game or venue day experience as enjoyable as possible.  Fans or guests who have violated the stadium, team or venues “code of conduct” policy and are asked to leave the stadium, will be required to take this 4 hour online class in order to re-enter the stadium for future events.  Fans that do not take the take the class may be arrested for trespassing if they are found inside the venue again. The class is educational in nature.  It is aimed at teaching fans skills to better understand the risk and consequences of alcohol use, how disruptive behavior affects others, and to better understand the stadium, team or venue code of conduct policy.  Fans will also learn coping skills related to improving empathy towards other fans, better managing event day stress and improving communication. The course is not punitive, but rather informational, educational and engaging.  It shows a best practice effort on the part of your venue, team or stadium. It also serves to reduce disorderly conduct, improve fan moral, increase attendance, and create the safest possible environment for fans.

Our Fan Conduct Class program is currently implemented as a best practice policy for all NFL stadiums and is also being utilized by two Major League Soccer arenas.    There is no start-up cost associated with implementing the program and a portion of proceeds of each class sale can be donated to a local or national charity.  Please contact our office for more information.