For men from around the world preparing for the priesthood in Rome, the Clericus Cup tournament is a welcome Saturday morning break in their studies. Seminarians from various national colleges and ecclesiastical universities compete on the soccer field while their classmates cheer them on from the stands.

When I attended a game last spring, it was a peaceful enough scene: the American fans sang doo-wop songs while a Brazilian played samba drums to urge on his compatriots.

Now it turns out that some of these future clergy have been getting out of hand. In response to complaints from area residents, the sports club that hosts the event has banned the use of “trumpets, drums, megaphones and music” during games, all in the interest of “public tranquility.”