The student union at Acadia University is hoping colourful language will help keep a lid on an annual, rivalry-fuelled fundraiser that has kept police busy in the past.

The Cheaton Cup is an annual hockey game between two Acadia residences, which battle for bragging rights and a trophy in the form of an empty keg.

“It is a very active and enthusiastic weekend. You can definitely tell that spirits are high and students are very passionate about this event,” said Callie Lathem, president of the Acadia Student’s Union.

In past years, the event has turned into a day-long party, with police being called in to deal with rowdy students.

In the words of one Acadia student: “it definitely has a reputation associated with it.”

This year, the Acadia Student’s Union is sending students a blunt message on managing their behavior at this year’s upcoming event.

“Don’t f - - - it up” is the message echoed by students and administrators in a video being circulated by the union.

Even Acadia University President Ray Ivany is featured.

And the message seems to be working.

There were fewer liquor violations and fewer incidents reported to police last year, when the same slogan and a similar video were first introduced.

In the lead-up to the big game, student union members are going door-to-door talking to students and community members, delivering the same message.

After, says Director of Student Service James Sanford, the game is for charity, and the actions of a few shouldn’t ruin the fun for all.

“(We want to) encourage everyone to be aware of what is going on around them and what is taking place and to follow the rules we have for the other 51 weeks of the year,” Sanford said.

An email message from the student union also reminds students that the arena has been recently renovated — if it were damaged, the hockey game could be cancelled for good, it says.

“We are speaking (the students’) language in a sense, and we want to make sure that they have the mechanisms to hold their peers accountable as well,” said Lathem.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl