Completed Event: Men's Tennis versus Longwood on February 22, 2026 , Loss , 3, to, 4
MTEN
Final
James Madison
3
vs Longwood
4
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Bourne Dialogue - Sportsmanship
8/19/2022 11:15:00 AM | Administration
JMU Nation,
One of the great things about being a college sports fan is that you truly feel part of the action and that you have a role in the game. The 12th man, sixth person – depending upon the sport there are a variety of monikers. Energy, passion, deafening noise, game-changing moments – this is what we love about college athletics!
As we move up to the Sun Belt, we're going to see tough competition every week. The margin for error is so thin, one play truly can make a difference. The energy from our fans can give our Dukes that little boost to break a big momentum-changing play. We need you there, loud and cheering for our student-athletes!
However, there's an appropriate way and an inappropriate way to be a fan, and it's critically important to define that distinction and make it a priority at JMU. Sportsmanship has been a topic at the forefront of my mind for quite some time, and I'm committed to addressing it proactively as we begin a new athletics year in a new conference.
Last year, there were multiple incidents of poor fan behavior in general, and it culminated with audible group cheers at one of our most memorable events in recent history, the home win over Virginia in men's basketball. Derogatory, expletive-laced chants directed at our opponent were clearly distinguishable for anyone present. Similar incidents occurred at multiple football games as well. I'm not sure when having a good time at a sporting event became defined by cursing the opponent, but there is no place for it at JMU.
For the 2022-23 competitive year, we will be launching a "Dukes Do Better" campaign aimed at promoting positive fan behavior and sportsmanship. JMU has long embodied doing things the right way, and we want to not only maintain that image but to build upon it.
The campaign launches today and will take off next week behind the scenes with an internal meeting to occur next week. This meeting will bring together multiple areas across the university with a stake in the culture and behavior of our sporting events. From there, messaging and activity will pick up, engaging fans at events such as Meet the Dukes Day, the Weeks of Welcome pep rally and more. There will be regular messaging on video boards and public address announcements at multiple intervals during our games. Communication campaigns will activate across campus to reach as many different student groups as possible. We will also engage specific, targeted groups of both student and non-student fans, who can help us to build and promote a positive game environment.
We live in a challenging world where animosity and confrontation towards another person or group is far too frequent. It is a conscientious choice to not fall into that trap in a competitive sporting environment, and to choose to be vocal and energetic while doing so in a manner that builds up rather than tearing down.
I call upon everyone in JMU Nation to be part of this important initiative and help us promote a culture where "Dukes Do Better!"
Go Dukes!
Jeff Bourne
JMU Director of Athletics
One of the great things about being a college sports fan is that you truly feel part of the action and that you have a role in the game. The 12th man, sixth person – depending upon the sport there are a variety of monikers. Energy, passion, deafening noise, game-changing moments – this is what we love about college athletics!
As we move up to the Sun Belt, we're going to see tough competition every week. The margin for error is so thin, one play truly can make a difference. The energy from our fans can give our Dukes that little boost to break a big momentum-changing play. We need you there, loud and cheering for our student-athletes!
However, there's an appropriate way and an inappropriate way to be a fan, and it's critically important to define that distinction and make it a priority at JMU. Sportsmanship has been a topic at the forefront of my mind for quite some time, and I'm committed to addressing it proactively as we begin a new athletics year in a new conference.
Last year, there were multiple incidents of poor fan behavior in general, and it culminated with audible group cheers at one of our most memorable events in recent history, the home win over Virginia in men's basketball. Derogatory, expletive-laced chants directed at our opponent were clearly distinguishable for anyone present. Similar incidents occurred at multiple football games as well. I'm not sure when having a good time at a sporting event became defined by cursing the opponent, but there is no place for it at JMU.
For the 2022-23 competitive year, we will be launching a "Dukes Do Better" campaign aimed at promoting positive fan behavior and sportsmanship. JMU has long embodied doing things the right way, and we want to not only maintain that image but to build upon it.
The campaign launches today and will take off next week behind the scenes with an internal meeting to occur next week. This meeting will bring together multiple areas across the university with a stake in the culture and behavior of our sporting events. From there, messaging and activity will pick up, engaging fans at events such as Meet the Dukes Day, the Weeks of Welcome pep rally and more. There will be regular messaging on video boards and public address announcements at multiple intervals during our games. Communication campaigns will activate across campus to reach as many different student groups as possible. We will also engage specific, targeted groups of both student and non-student fans, who can help us to build and promote a positive game environment.
We live in a challenging world where animosity and confrontation towards another person or group is far too frequent. It is a conscientious choice to not fall into that trap in a competitive sporting environment, and to choose to be vocal and energetic while doing so in a manner that builds up rather than tearing down.
I call upon everyone in JMU Nation to be part of this important initiative and help us promote a culture where "Dukes Do Better!"
Go Dukes!
Jeff Bourne
JMU Director of Athletics
JMU Football | No Regrets
Saturday, December 20
JMU Football | Trent Hendrick & Jacob Thomas Post-CFP Selection Show Availability - Dec. 7, 2025
Sunday, December 07
JMU Football | One year for one moment.
Sunday, December 07
JMU Football | See You At Bridgeforth
Friday, December 05
