Patrick Washburn:
I haven't seen this cross-posted yet, so I might as well. (I'm sure Cindy knew it would take about a minute for it to be distributed.) From the SCCA dot com forums:

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

Now that Nationals is over and everyone has had a chance to get home and re-group, I would like to address an unwelcome trend that was observed during the 2008 competition season, but most particularly at Nationals. Throughout the season, we have seen many instances of unsportsmanlike conduct varying in degree of offensiveness, but several incidents during the ProSolo Finale and Nationals were so severe that the parties involved could have actually been criminally prosecuted. This type of behavior is detrimental to retaining sponsors and keeping the sport fun for everyone involved. We cannot survive without our sponsors and they expect us to maintain a professional image. There are many competitors that come as a family and they may not continue to participate if our sport does not maintain a healthy atmosphere for the entire family.

Since this type of behavior will not be tolerated in 2009, let me be as specific as I can about behaviors that will result in consequences of varying severity:

Physically touching or verbally threatening another competitor or their vehicle.

Public nudity.

Vulgar, abusive language.

Crude or vulgar messages/statements/slogans on cars, apparel or in sponsor names.

Theft

Inappropriate actions on stage or in the audience at banquets.

Forum postings that generate a negative image of the SCCA, officials, sponsors or other competitors.

Judgment of what constitutes any of the above rests solely with the National Staff and consequences will be decided upon on a case by case basis.

Let’s keep our sport healthy and enjoyable for everyone!

Cindy Jansen

BrianCunningham wrote:
WTH happened there this year???

http://sccaforums.com/forums/1/327922/ShowThread.aspx

Quote:

Patrick Washburn:


Public nudity.

Vulgar, abusive language.

Crude or vulgar messages/statements/slogans on cars, apparel or in sponsor names.


Inappropriate actions on stage or in the audience at banquets.

Forum postings that generate a negative image of the SCCA, officials, sponsors or other competitors.

CentralCoaster wrote:
I would rather be the reason for rules being written than the person following them.

TommyT-Bone wrote:
Reading some of the history of the SCCA, they were some fine and upstanding gentlemen. They didn't put up with any bull$#!+. Their rules of coduct were pretty strict. In todays society where any form of disrespect is tolerated, the SCCA is an example of tradition and expects it's members to act appropriately. Unfortunately, many people today have no concept of manners or respect for themselves or others.

JrRifleCoach wrote:

Tommy, You could not have said this any better.

Conduct unbecoming that of a sportsman is a lost golden rule.

The "now" generation has disabled all rules of appropriate behavior and replaced them with an "Act like your on Jerry Springer" rule. We can see this happening in our schools, in stores and on the roads. The word cooperation has been replaced with fuck-you. The ability to offer courtesy to a stranger, is non existent. Try offering the common courtesy of holding a door open for a young gal and see if she says thank-you. Your lucky to even get someones attention with your turn signal when attempting to change lanes.

To hear that this years S2 and ProSolo events have been distinguished with this behaviour leaves me saddened. I remember being present for the birth of the ProSolo Series. A competitor for the opening year of Street Prepared in Salina. Sharing some wonderful years of comradely as a competitor and organizer in the Solo2 ranks. We had some great people and everyone kept each other in-line.

So to hear the grassroots sports have been scarred with the antics of improperly parented and ill behaved jackasses, does not surprise me one bit.