To members of the Andover and Exeter communities,
We look forward to the week ahead as many of our varsity and JV teams compete in the oldest high school rivalry in the country – the first games between our two schools occurring in 1878! The energy and excitement for these contests stand out as often unmatched across athletic experiences for all those who participate as student-athletes, coaches and fans.
As we approach the week ahead, it is imperative that we do so with a heightened awareness that recent fan behavior within NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Council), across local public schools, colleges and in professional sports has crossed lines of what is acceptable and in fact, too often violates the standards of behavior we expect at all times of all those in our community. Recent incidences of individual athletes being singled out/targeted by a fan or a group of fans have grabbed headlines and more importantly, resulted in great harm to those on the receiving end.
Andover’s Fans' Code of Conduct, updated February 2022:
Phillips Academy is committed to encouraging and promoting a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all. Fans are encouraged to applaud and promote the efforts of their team. Most importantly, all those in attendance have a right to an environment free from disruptive behavior. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of foul language, engaging in negative verbal attacks, or discrimination based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, or any other legally protected basis, will not be tolerated.
Please bring to the immediate attention of any Andover Athletic Department member, faculty, or staff personnel behavior which violates our stated code of conduct. Anyone in violation should expect to be asked to leave the venue immediately for appropriate follow-up.
We ask that we all commit, together, to create and maintain an environment which allows these games to showcase the best of our communities. Everyone plays a part in doing what is right. We look forward to the week ahead!
Best,
Raynard Kington, P’24, Phillips Academy Head of School
Lisa Joel, Director of Athletics
Bill Rawson ’71, P’08, Phillips Exeter Academy Principal
Jason Baseden, Director of Athletics