Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/20/2008

Question
We use the NCAA rules in our NAIA college conference.  Question,  Cars that are located on a hill next to the stadium can watch the game without paying admission.  Can you penalize the home team if the cars are honking their horns while the opponents are calling their signals?

Answer
Allen, yes the officials can give a warning to the home bench.  If the coach and school cannot control that kind of distraction, then penalties and even a forfeit could be awarded, if it appears the home team is particpating in an unfair act.  

If the land where the cars are parked are not part of the college grounds, the police could be called for Disturbing the Peace, but the officials may have a legal problem something like this if the college is shown to not have participated.  

Certainly, the NAIA can take measures to stop the disturbance.

Take care,

Thom Brooks