1. Katie Krajny Rich Hollingsworth The Ohio State University OCPA/OASPA Conference Best Fans in the Land: Promoting Positive Fan Behavior around Athletic Events January 30, 2009

2. OCPA/OASPA Conference Best Fans in the Land January 30, 2009 History Areas of Focus Past Projects Idea-sharing and Discussion

3. Response to Big 10 commissioner’s concern Student organization in Fall 1979 Members included students, faculty, staff, alumni, and administrators First such organization in country Funding from Athletics, Student Affairs, Alumni Societies, and Office of the President Coined the phrase “Best Fans in the Land” Building on the Past: History of the Sportsmanship Council

5. Who’s Involved? Office of Student Affairs/ Student Life OSU Athletics The OSU Alumni Association Governing Greek Councils Interfraternity Council Multicultural Greek Council Panhellenic Association National Panhellenic Council Department of Public Safety Ohio Union Activities Board Campus Partners Student-Alumni Council Recreational Sports Student-Athletic Advisory Board Student Governments Residence Hall Advisory Council Undergraduate Student Government Inter-Professional Council Council of Graduate Students The OSU Marching Band Office of the President Block “O” Ohio Staters, Inc. Student Athlete Support Service Office University Relations

6. Formulate ideas and projects which promote good sportsmanship campus and city-wide Establish the university as an environment which continually fosters camaraderie and good sportsmanship Identify and address issues concerning sportsmanship and poor fan behavior Goals

7. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all supporters of Ohio State athletics will be known throughout the country as the “Best Fans in the Land.” At all times and in all venues, home or away, Buckeye fans will demonstrate pride in The Ohio State University and its teams as well as respect for the opponent’s institution, teams, and supporters. Vision

8. Welcoming Visiting Teams & Fans Moderating Poor Sportsmanship and Fan Behavior Increasing and Promoting Buckeye Pride Areas of Focus

9. Welcoming Visiting Teams & Fans Game Day Buckeye Ambassadors

10. Eliminating or Moderating Poor Sportsmanship Behavior Sportsmanship Video Series

11. Increasing and Promoting Buckeye Pride The Best Fan in the Land Competition

12. Increasing and Promoting Buckeye Pride Iowa and Illinois Viewing Parties BCS Viewing Event

13. Michigan Week Initiatives

14. Collaboration with OSU Department of Athletics and University Relations

15. Michigan Week Initiatives

16. Research - Fan Behavior and Culture Change Assessments - Students, Alumni, Supporters, and Visiting Fans Ongoing Evaluation Research on and Assessment of Program Effectiveness

17. First Annual Big Ten Sportsmanship Conference

18. What issues of fan behavior do you observe at your own institutions?

19. Get all key players on campus involved. This must be a student-led initiative. Maintain strong support from students. By addressing fan behavior you will be challenging the current culture. Final Recommendations

20. Katie Krajny Krajny.1@osu.edu Questions?