Compete Without Contempt: How Student Sections Can Elevate the Game Without Crossing the Line

In sports, passion fuels the energy in every arena, stadium, and gym. Student sections bring excitement, create unforgettable moments, and make home-court advantage real. But lately, we’ve seen examples of fan bases crossing the line—turning competition into contempt.

At a recent University of Arizona basketball game against BYU, a student section erupted into a hateful chant: “F the Mormons.” This isn’t an isolated event. Across sports, student sections and fan bases sometimes let their passion turn into personal attacks.

Snow College head football coach Zach Erickson shared an experience from his playing days when a crowd chanted “Oreo” at him every time he stepped to the free-throw line—mocking him for being half Black and half white.

And we can’t forget referees, who often face brutal treatment from fans over a single call.

This is where we need to take a step back and remind ourselves of a core principle:

Compete Without Contempt.

G.K. Chesterton said it best:

“A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”

Let’s talk about how student sections and fans in general can bring energy, passion, and excitement—without crossing the line into hatred, disrespect, or contempt.

1. Focus on Your Own Team

The best student sections don’t waste energy attacking the opponent—they bring energy to their own team.

When a home crowd is loud, positive, and relentless in their support, it fuels the athletes. It makes the game more intense in the best way possible.

So instead of heckling or chanting against an opponent, channel your energy into uplifting your own team.

• ✅ Chant players’ names after big plays.
• ✅ Start cheers that encourage hustle, defense, and effort.
• ✅ Create traditions that unite your crowd and make the arena electric.

The best fan bases—like Duke’s Cameron Crazies—are legendary because of their passion, not because of hatred. Be that kind of fan.

2. Bring the Noise—Not the Insults

There’s nothing wrong with making the arena deafeningly loud. In fact, noise can be one of the most powerful weapons for a home team.

But there’s a massive difference between creating an electric atmosphere and crossing the line into personal attacks.

• ❌ Mocking a player’s race, religion, or family? Completely unacceptable.
• ❌ Making fun of an injured player? Crossing the line.
• ❌ Singling out an opponent with cruel, personal insults? That’s not competition—that’s contempt.

Instead, be loud, be intense, and be relentless—without turning it personal.

3. Athletes Set the Tone for Their Fans

Athletes—whether you realize it or not, your behavior sets the tone for your fan base.

If you show respect for opponents and officials, your fans will, too.

If you play with class and intensity, your fans will reflect that energy.

But if you constantly argue with refs, taunt opponents, or act disrespectfully, your fans will take it even further.

So athletes:

• ✅ Respect the game.
• ✅ Respect your opponent.
• ✅ Respect the officials.
• ✅ Encourage your teammates to do the same.

Because if you compete without contempt, your fan base will follow.

The Challenge: Love Your Team More Than You Hate the Opponent

The goal isn’t to tone down the energy of student sections. The goal is to make that energy positive, powerful, and focused on the right things.

If you’re a fan, ask yourself:

• ✅ Am I helping my team, or just attacking the other team?
• ✅ Is my energy bringing excitement or crossing the line?
• ✅ Would I want my school or family to be represented this way?

If you’re an athlete, remember:

Your actions set the tone for how your fans behave. Play with fire, with passion—but also with respect.

Let’s bring back what makes sports great—passion, competition, and unity—without resorting to hate.

Be the fan base that elevates the game.

If you believe in this message, share it with a teammate, a coach, or a fellow fan. Let’s change the culture of sports, one student section at a time.

Listen to the podcast episode on this topic: