Since the beginning of the school year, discussions have circulated about policies at Timpview changing. Recently, Fell made statements about new “no booing” and “no rushing the field” policies. See here for more information.

These policy changes were officially presented during a homeroom session on September 19, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship. The presentation encouraged students to “get rowdy right,” defining sportsmanship and outlining when and how T-Birds should demonstrate it. A key takeaway was the directive to avoid negative cheers or boos to opposing teams or fellow students. The presentation also described the practice of students sitting when a player is injured, which has been well received in the past.

This presentation was aimed towards the students to promote respect, support, and kindness to everyone involved. While these are excellent ideals, and ones that T-Birds should always strive for, at what point do these policies take away from the fun of the events?

Every year, it is tradition that during the spirit assembly the other grades boo the grade who is yelling for their year. The reason that students do this is to show pride for their own class and support their direct peers to get more involved in school spirit. Without booing, the grades become less competitive which takes away from the point of the spirit bowl. There can’t be a spirit bowl without spirit. There have been threats that a single boo will result in a cancellation of all assemblies for good.

In no way is this claim attempting to belittle the administration’s plan for kindness to be spread throughout the school. However, a plan for sportsmanship cannot be implemented if there is nothing there to implement it to.

These decisions are being made because of concerns with students getting their feelings hurt. These policies, although they have the right goal behind them, appear as if they are restricting fun in the school. High school becomes a sterile and monotonous routine if not split up by opportunities of fun for students.

Along with that, in the last few years, old school traditions have been banned. Some of these traditions and celebrations include:

• Mr. Timpview: a playful beauty pageant that highlights Timpview boys’ as they try on outfits and put on a fashion and talent show to fund raise for the school.
• Pep Assemblies: Years ago, there were pep assemblies before every major sports game, now there are only two.
• Rushing the Field: a celebration to run onto the field or court when a Timpview team wins.
• Dinner Dances: Juniors and Seniors used to have dances where the would go to noteworthy venues and have a formal meal and dance.
• Boys and Girls Week: celebration hosted by T-Birds to highlight their abilities and host activities to feel unified.
• Powder Puff Games: a friendly and popular “reverse football” where women have opportunities to play football for Timpview

There are very obvious and appropriate reasons why these events were taken away, things such as identity and safety. However, some of these celebrations and events are harmless to all parties involved. It is believed that some of the past events and traditions hosted at Timpview could be reorganized, rethought, and implemented at Timpview, which would lead to an increase in student involvement and spirit.

While it’s important for Timpview to provide a safe and comfortable environment for students, it must be considered at what point that might come at the cost of fun.