Mississippi Valley Marching Band Reprimanded
SWAC.org
Birmingham, Ala. - In its continuing efforts to improve the
overall experience of its athletic events and member institutions adhere to the
policies set forth, the Southwestern Athletic Conference has levied sanctions
against one of its member institutions. The Mississippi Valley State University
marching band has been publicly reprimanded by the SWAC for failure to comply
with league procedures and policies during conference football contests.
The offense occurred during the Mississippi Valley State
home game vs. Prairie View A&M on November 10, 2012.
Conference rules state that: "once the offensive team
breaks the huddle and approaches the line of scrimmage, the band shall cease
playing." By rule, the band was asked to stop playing three times by both
the referee and the public address announcer.
SWAC rules state that: "on the 2nd offense the
violating band will be reprimanded and suspended from performing during their
next contest and/or fined an amount to be determined by the Commissioner. On
the 3rd offense the violating band will be suspended from performing the
remainder of the season. "
“The Conference office will continue to promote an
atmosphere of sportsmanship at all SWAC sporting events. The SWAC bands are a
major part of the game day experience and must work within the SWAC rules and
regulations of the Conference to ensure that they are a positive element at
SWAC events and disregard of these rules will not be tolerated”, stated SWAC
Commissioner Duer Sharp.
MVSU's band is the second this season to be reprimanded by
the conference. The Jackson State University marching band was also sanctioned
earlier this month.