CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Sportsmanship & Ejection Policy
Sportsmanship is a cornerstone of high school athletics, and the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section (SJS) enforces a Statewide Sportsmanship & Ejection Policy to uphold fair play and integrity. These rules apply to all contests, including scrimmages, foundation games, regular season, and postseason games.
Player Ejection Rules - A player ejected from a game will face the following consequences:
- First Ejection: Suspended for the next game but may remain on the bench in street clothes.
- Second Ejection: Suspended for the next three (3) games and must remain on the bench in street clothes.
- Third Ejection: Suspended for the remainder of the season. If fewer than six (6) games remain, the suspension may carry into the next season.
Fighting or Leaving the Bench During a Fight
- First Ejection: Suspended for 3-6 games as determined by the CIF Section Commissioner.
- Second Ejection: Suspended for the remainder of the season. If fewer than six (6) games remain, the suspension may carry into the next season.
Return to Play Requirements - Before returning from a multiple-game suspension, the school principal must meet with the player, parent/guardian, and coach to discuss behavioral expectations.
Coach Ejection Rules - A coach ejected from a game will face the following consequences:
- First Ejection: Suspended for 1-3 games (as determined by SJS Staff). The coach must leave the facility immediately and have no communication with the team for the remainder of the game and the suspension period.
- Second Ejection: Suspended for the next six (6) games with no contact with the team.
- Third Ejection: Suspended for the remainder of the season. If fewer than six (6) games remain, the suspension may carry into the next season.
Fighting or Assaultive Behavior
- Any ejection for fighting, assault, or gross unsportsmanlike conduct results in immediate suspension for the rest of the season.
- If fewer than six (6) games remain, the suspension may extend into the next season.
Return to Coaching Requirements - Before returning from a multi-game suspension, the school principal must meet with the coach to discuss future expectations.
Appeals:
- Multi-game ejections may be appealed within 48 hours for misidentification or rule misapplication.
- No appeals are allowed for single-game ejections.
Spectator Ejection Rules - Schools are responsible for enforcing ejection policies for spectators:
- First Ejection: The spectator is banned from attending the team’s next three (3) games.
- Second Ejection: The spectator is banned for the remainder of the season.
- All adult ejections will be reported to the school district superintendent.