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Modesto Schools To Ban 'Trash Talking'

Fans Will Not Be Allowed To Bad Mouth Officials

MODESTO, Calif., Updated 10:53 p.m. PDT September 5, 2000 -- "Trash talking" has become a big part of the game for many athletes, but players in one valley school district are being banned from the practice, because school officials fear that it could lead to violence.

Players Ready To 'Strap 'Em On'

Modesto's football players won't be allowed to talk trash, and their fans won't be allowed to call the other team names nor bad mouth the officials under the new school district policy proposal.

"Pursuing victory with honor" is a new policy having to do more with how you play the game.

"The tensions are so high that we could have something spilling out outside, and that's our number one priority -- to maintain safety at every school event," the Modesto City School District's Jim Pfaff said.

The new policy doesn't affect just football. It affects all sports played at the Modesto high schools and middle schools.

Modesto is the first city to ban unsportsman-like conduct in the northern San Joaquin area that stretches from Merced to Napa.

"We've had some problems with the other teams, because they want to juice up the game and try to get the emotion flowing. But I think if our guys walk away from that, we have no problems," Modesto coach Rick Goodwin said.

At least some athletes are ready to follow the new policy.

"Gotta play hard and let your pads do the talking," Modesto quarterback Scott Goodwin said.

"Gotta put the helmets on, strap them up," Modesto linebacker Walter Brock said.

Even parents and fans must observe the rules.

"You don't go to a game and use foul language, you go to watch your kid play, and be happy with whatever happens," parent Paul Vindiola said.

Other schools are likely to adopt the policy voluntarily, although it may be mandatory by 2002.

The Modesto school board will meet next week to adopt the policy.

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