ROCK HILL, S.C. --- The South Atlantic Conference will host its fall #RespectOurGame sportsmanship initiative Monday, October 21 through Sunday, October 27. In addition to sportsmanship week, the SAC will also honor its fall sports officials with Officials' Appreciation Week.
The #RespectOurGame initiative aims to emphasize Tusculum's and the South Atlantic Conference's commitment to the demonstration of good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans throughout the league. The SAC will conduct one, week-long "SAC Sportsmanship Week" during each season (fall, winter, spring), during which, sportsmanship will be celebrated at all conference sporting events conducted on league member campuses.
The SAC's Officials' Appreciation Week is part of a joint effort by the Division II Commissioners Association (D2CCA) and the Division II Athletic Directors Association (D2ADA) to recognize the hard work and dedication of officials to give back and support the sports that they love.
Prior to the start of each conference during the week, there will be a pregame handshake and game environment pledge that will be read by members of each of the competing SAC teams. Additionally, participating teams are being asked to show appreciation to their opponents and officials by performing a "Random Act of Kindness" which will be highlighted through the SAC's social media accounts.
"We are very excited to once again highlight the importance of sportsmanship through our #RespectOurGame initiative," said SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz. As a league we continue to stress the importance of sportsmanship throughout the year, and this year we are thrilled be adding the officials' appreciation piece to our week. Often a thankless job, the officials are a vital part of all levels of athletics and it is important that we as a league show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication."
During each of the SAC Sportsmanship Weeks, league schools, coaches, student-athletes, and fans will have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sportsmanship in conjunction with the NCAA's RESPECT Campaign.
SAC Fall Sportsmanship Week Events (Tusculum Only)
Tue., Oct. 22 | 7:00 p.m. – Women's Volleyball at UVa-Wise
Fri., Oct. 25 | 7:00 p.m. – Women's Volleyball at Mars Hill
Sat., Oct. 26 | 9:30 a.m. – Cross Country at SAC Championship
Sat., Oct. 26 | 1:30 p.m. – Football HOSTS UNC Pembroke
Sat., Oct. 26 | 2:00 p.m. – Women's Volleyball at Lenoir-Rhyne
Sun., Oct. 27 | 2:00 p.m. – Women's Soccer HOSTS Coker
Sun., Oct. 27 | 4:30 p.m. – Men's Soccer HOSTS Coker
