For years, Mississippi State fans have said, “You can take my cowbell when you pry it from my cold dead hands.” Now, they do not have to worry anymore – at least some of the time.
The SEC is in the midst of it’s annual coaches and executives conference in Destin, Fla., and one of the hot topics as it relates to MSU has been the legality of one of the Bulldogs’ most well-known traditions – cowbells.
Early Friday the Athletic Directors agreed to amend the SEC’s ban on artificial noisemakers to allow schools with longstanding artificial-noisemaker traditions to use them. After the Athletic Director’s approved the amendment, it was voted on by university presidents, who passed the rule. SEC Commissioner Mike Slive acknowledged the rule basically only applies to Mississippi State.
Cowbells, of course, were not previously allowed inside Davis-Wade stadium on game days. The compromise allows fans to bring their cowbells into the stadium with no hassle. However, there are qualifiers. Fans may only ring cowbells during pregame activities, timeouts, halftime, after scores and after the game. Cowbells will be strictly prohibited while teams are on the field for plays. If the bells are rung at illegal times, MSU will be fined. While the exact dollar amount of the fine has yet to be determined, it will be much more than a slap on the wrist.
Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said via Twitter he appreciates the opportunity to legally have cowbells in the stadium, and he hopes fans will stick to the rules.
“SEC members have met us halfway,” he said. “Now, all Bulldogs need to show respect for our tradition and do our part in following guideline.”
The amendment to the artificial noisemakers rule is only a one year trial. If the SEC deems the move successful, it will likely be implemented permanently.
MSU President Mark Keenum said he described the tradition to the other presidents and more than just something to make noise. He talked about being given his first cowbell as a child and then receiving a chrome-plated cowbell when he was named president of Mississippi State University.
“I related to my colleagues the passion those cowbells evoked for me and shared that MSU fans across the nation felt the same emotions,” Keenum said. “I made the point that I was not speaking simply as the institutional executive officer at Mississippi State, but also as a lifelong Bulldog with deeply-held feelings about this issue. Scott Stricklin spoke with the same authority and passion in making his case to fellow athletic directors.”
While Keenum acknowledged his excitement about cowbells, he said the university is very serious about ensuring the fans follow the rules on cowbells.
“Violation of the policy would result in fines levied against the university,” he said. “We have work ahead to educate our fans and alumni about the new arrangement, but this is great news for Mississippi State. It represents the beginning of a new chapter in support of our great cowbell tradition.”