AMHERST – Amherst Regional High School officials this week determined there was inappropriate behavior by Hurricanes fans at a Sept. 23 girls soccer game between the home team and Holyoke High School.
But in a letter sent to parents, guardians and students Thursday, and posted on the school website, high school principal Mark Jackson wrote that an investigation into allegations of taunting and bullying of Holyoke players uncovered no use of racist language.
“While there was considerable evidence that ARHS fans were inappropriate, we found no evidence to corroborate the allegation that racial slurs were used,” Jackson wrote.
The investigation included interviewing the two referees who officiated the game, a police officer on duty, four members of the event staff and 10 high school students in attendance.
Jackson said in his letter, publicly released Friday, that he apologized to Holyoke Principal Stephen Sullivan, and that the experience would be used to develop a framework for clearer behavioral expectations by fans.
Efforts to reach Sullivan by phone and email Friday were unsuccessful.
In a phone interview, Jackson said he has regularly been in touch with Holyoke school officials.
“My impression is they feel like we held up our end,” Jackson said.
Most of Jackson’s letter focused on how to improve conduct, while still allowing fans to cheer for their team.
“I have no interest in turning athletic contests into a library,” Jackson wrote.
The “Fan Framework,” Jackson explained, should include supporting the home team, rather than being hostile toward the visitors and referees. Using terms such as “lousy players” or “lousy officials,” or synonyms of “lousy,” leading chants including “warm up the bus” and “if you’re winning, clap your hands,” and calling out specific names and numbers of opponents will not be allowed.
In an email, Jackson said he wouldn’t elaborate on whether the use of “lousy” was among the disparaging remarks made.
Jackson met with several students during lunch to answer questions they might have about how they should act at sporting events, including this weekend, when they may be attending games as part of Homecoming.
“I’m mindful that the framework may take some getting used to and that (there) are still issues to clarify,” Jackson wrote. “I’m patient. To disregard it altogether will result in removal by our event staff.”
One of the games Saturday will feature Holyoke and Amherst competing in boys soccer, and Jackson is confident any lingering issues between the schools have been addressed.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
