Belmont County Western Division Court Judge Eric Costine made an important decision last week, determining that the prosecutor’s office made the right call when it decided not to file criminal charges in the wake of an altercation at a high school football game in October.

But he also conveyed an important message to everyone as part of his ruling.

Costine declined to second guess the prosecutor for opting not to charge Union Local football coach Vaughn Butler or Flushing resident Brent Gay after they exchanged words — and reportedly a bit of shoving — at a game where UL lost to longtime rival Barnesville, despite Gay seeking charges against Butler and two law enforcement officers by filing an affidavit.

But Costine also addressed the matter of inappropriate conduct at sporting events at all levels in general.

“(O)ther similar cases (at sporting events) occur much more frequently than they should,” he wrote. “Overzealous fans verbally berating athletes, coaching staff and officials pervades all sports starting at little league events and up through all levels of sports.”

Costine is correct in making this observation. It is not at all uncommon for our reporters and other attendees to hear fans at sporting events shouting berating comments from the stands. And, sometimes, those shouting criticism from the sidelines proceed to become more aggressive, cursing or even physically approaching the person who is the object of their ire.

Merriam Webster cites conduct such as respect for one’s opponent and graciousness in either a win or a loss as the very definition of sportsmanship.

So what message are these angry fans — some of whom are parents of the players involved — sending to the athletes and others who support them? Certainly not one that focuses on fairness, decency and respect for others.

We can — and we must — set a better example for the region’s young athletes.