South Atlantic Conference Announces #RespectOURGame Sportsmanship Initiative

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – The South Atlantic Conference will implement a new sportsmanship initiative beginning in 2018-19 called #RespectOurGame, the league office announced today. 

The #RespectOurGame initiative aims to emphasize 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 with a pregame handshake. 

Prior to the start of each contest there will be a pregame handshake and game environment pledge that will be read by members of each of the competing teams. Additionally, the SAC and its member institutions will highlight the initiative through social media, press releases and on campus activities.

According to SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz, "We are very excited to be rolling out the #RespectOurGame initiative. As a league we have always stressed the importance of sportsmanship throughout the year, and we will continue to highlight and emphasize the importance of having good sportsmanship to all our teams and fans."  

The fall SAC Sportsmanship Week will be held October 8 – 14.  Future dates for the winter and spring weeks are February 4 – 10 and March 25 – 31. 

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.  

2018 SAC Fall Sportsmanship Week Events (October 8 - 14)

*designated games are non-conference and their inclusion in this initiative is optional and TBD depending on approval from coaches, ADs, and commissioners

-#MakeSACYours-