Simmer down or sit down

If you're a fan of high school sports, we need to talk.

- BY KARISSA NIEHOFF, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS, AND MICHAEL BURNHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAINE PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION

When you're at the game, do you lose control? If so, everyone sees it-the teachers, the officials, the other fans, the parents, and most importantly, the student-athletes. They see you at your worst. And it leaves an impression-not just of you and the school but all Maine high school athletics.

Research consistently underscores that kids look to adults as inspiration for who they want to be and how they want to live. That's because adults set the tone. Adults show what behaviors are acceptable and what aren't. Adults mold perceptions of what it is to be good and bad, and adults pass down the tools to help tell the difference.