1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. What are the students asking the WIAA to do?

3. What series of events led to the students’ petition? Be specific.

4. How has the WIAA responded to the controversy?

5. Questions for discussion:

a) Is the WIAA’s response to the students’ petition reasonable?
b) What responsibility do school officials have at individual schools to ensure that student fans maintain sportsmanlike conduct?
c) What responsibility do student fans have to maintain sportsmanlike conduct?
d) Have you seen fans go “over the line” when cheering against the opposing team?
e) Should there be any consequences for going over the line? If so, what? If no, why not?
f) Read the banned chants under “Background” below the questions. Do the students have a legitimate argument for their opposition to the ban on these chants?
g) One commentator said that banning certain chants won’t work because students are creative and they will just come up with new chants/cheers. Should all chants then be banned?
h) What type of guidelines should school administrators use with student fans? Where does discernment/common sense fit in this issue?