The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has prohibited the use of thundersticks, inflatable spirit sticks used as promotional items, at sporting events as of this school year. Audience members are asked not to bring any of these items to avoid problems associated with noisemakers.

Thundersticks and other noisemakers are considered a violation of the CIF sportsmanship contract, which states that sportsmanship requires a person to accept defeat without complaint and victory treating opponents with fairness, courtesy, and respect.
Some athletes approve of the removal of all noisemakers from sporting events, believing that the absence of noise distractions will enhance their performance. Though not an opinion shared by all, some feel that thundersticks affect their performance negatively and create bad sportsmanship, because of the intense competition.
�Too much noise in a game can be distracting,� said football player Aram Nazarian (�07). �I�d rather have it dead silent.�
Most students are unaware of the fact that noisemakers have been removed, and are upset about the change.
�Thundersticks are awesome!� said ASB Director of Boys� Athletics Marielle de Pasion (�07). �It�s a great way to cheer on teams without having [to lose] your voice.�
Students who have used thundersticks before are happy they are gone, even though they love using them at sporting events. �They can be distracting,� said ASB Director of Girls� Athletics Kelsea Mauerhan (�06). �The only sport I think is unaffected by the noise from thundersticks would be football, because the audience is farther away from them.�

By Staff Writer, Melina Allahverdian