As we continue our preparation for our first Big Ten Conference home football game on Oct. 7, we would like to respond to your recent editorial urging the UW Athletic Department to ""revisit and revise"" the new Ticket Revocation Policy.
In May 2006, the UW Athletic Board approved the Ticket Revocation Policy, effective with the start of the 2006 football season. The policy is a continuation of the award-winning ""Rolling Out the Red Carpet"" campaign started three years ago in which the University of Wisconsin-Madison promotes good sportsmanship, appropriate fan behavior and a welcoming atmosphere for all at all athletic events sponsored by the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Your editorial implies that the policy is directed at students; the policy applies to all customers in attendance at home athletic events.
Your editorial states ""the policy surrounding student ticket revocation is unclear."" We disagree. The policy lists three specific events that will prompt a ticket revocation. According to the policy, the following behaviors will lead to a ticket revocation:
A-—conveyance to a healthcare or detoxification facility by any police official on account of incapacitation due to excessive drunkenness or the use of illegal drugs;
—citation or arrest for throwing hard objects, resisting arrest/obstruction, battery, public urination or disorderly conduct involving violent or indecent behavior;
—arrest for any violation of the Wisconsin Criminal Code.
Your editorial also states that the Athletic Department should have included information about the policy when students received their tickets in late summer.
Indeed, the ticket mailing in late August included a letter with details about the policy. The 2006 Wisconsin Football Fan Guide, which also was in the ticket mailing to students, included additional information about the policy. Finally, information about the policy is printed on the face of each student voucher this season.
Please understand that this is a new policy and is not flawless. We know there are loopholes and nuances that we have yet to solve, but we're committed to making sure that all of our customers are comfortable and safe when they come to a Badger athletic event. When individuals behave in a way that compromises that safety, we need to take action. And this policy is an effort to do that.
We encourage The Daily Cardinal to continue following this issue and others relating to Badger Athletics. The support of our student body is crucial to the overall success of our teams and our department.
We thank you for that support, and we look forward to working with you to make Camp Randall and the Kohl Center safer and friendlier environments for all fans.
Vince Sweeney
Senior Associate Athletic Director
