Enforcing new fan code shapes up as challenge

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2008 | by Michael McCarthy

The NFL has rolled out its first "Fan Code of Conduct" to crack down on drunk, unruly or abusive fans in stadiums and parking lots. But the country's richest, most powerful sports league has its work cut out for it as it communicates the get-tough rules to fans and prepares some of its 32 teams to implement the policy, stadium security experts say.

The NFL and its clubs need to launch public awareness campaigns to educate season ticketholders, says Lou Marciani, director of the Center for Spectator Sports Security Management at the University of Southern Mississippi. At the club level, it's "critical" that teams train security guards, ushers and event staff, he says.

"I commend the league for taking a stance to protect the right of paid spectators. The hard...