CARMEL, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference has released a new positive sportsmanship campaign to coincide with an updated Sportsmanship statement that is to be read before every home contest within the league. With the assistance of the HCAC DEI Committee, led by Assistant Commissioner, Grace Schott, the "Passion is Encouraged, Respect is Mandatory" tagline and campaign were launched at the beginning of the spring semester. Each member institution throughout the conference is participating by using the updated statement drafted by the committee and prominently displaying campaign signage in their competitive venues.

The HCAC and each of its ten member schools desire to foster environments where although competition and passion are encouraged, sportsmanship and respect towards players, coaches, fans, and officials is the expectation at all times.

"Embracing and promoting positive sportsmanship across our league is important to all members of the HCAC and the HCAC leadership," said Assistant Commissioner, Grace Schott. "Having passion is always one of the best parts of collegiate athletics, especially at the Division III level, so we wanted to promote that without creating stale or boring environments, but we also want to make sure we elevate and remind everyone in attendance about the need to be respectful in their fandom. We strive every day to make the HCAC truly represent the Heart of D3, and I think this campaign and message reflect that goal."