Southeastern Conference presidents and chancellors voted Friday to continue the Mississippi State University cowbell compromise established two years ago.
The provision allows the use of cowbells in football games at MSU’s Davis Wade Stadium. SEC administration also lifted the annual sunset provision in the rule, making future votes on the matter unnecessary unless MSU is deemed to have consistently violated the policy. This action will enable Bulldog fans to continue to use the artificial noisemakers, with restrictions, on a more permanent basis.
“Mississippi State fans have shown tremendous respect for this beloved tradition by following the rules and ‘ringing responsibly,’ ” MSU President Mark Keenum said. “Their efforts provided validation for the case I made with my fellow SEC presidents and chancellors. I told them the cowbell has special meaning in our Bulldog family, and that those feelings were evident in the way our fans responded over the past two seasons.”
Last year, the SEC established a fine structure of $5,000 for the first violation and $25,000 for the second violation. The next penalty would be $50,000. No fines have been announced stemming from the 2011 season.
“We appreciate the vote of the Southeastern Conference membership in maintaining one of the great traditions in college athletics,” MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin said. “It is an affirmation of the work we have done to educate our fans of the league’s institutional sound policy, and our fans’ commitment to following the guidelines. It remains incumbent upon us to continue the process of educating our fans so that a long-standing tradition may continue for years to come.”
Last year, the vote by the league coaches came on the same day MSU football coach Dan Mullen gave a passionate speech at the funeral of former MSU defensive end Nick Bell, who passed away last November. Mullen mentioned the usage of cowbells in his speech.
“They acknowledged the positive role our fans played in making this arrangement work,” Keenum said. “I appreciate the support of Commissioner Mike Slive and my SEC counterparts in helping us preserve this great tradition. Now, more than ever, we must remain focused on ‘ringing responsibly,’ but I have every confidence our fans will be vigilant and committed. Doing so will ensure present and future Bulldogs can continue to ring their cowbells at Davis-Wade Stadium.”
The cowbell policy on artificial noisemakers allows fans to use a cowbell only at Scott Field before the game, at halftime, between quarters, in timeouts, after scoring plays, and on possession changes. According to wording of the rule, MSU fans still won’t be allowed to bring or to ring a cowbell in an opponent’s stadium.
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