TROTWOOD — New safety rules have taken effect for a local high school’s sporting events.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Trotwood-Madison City Schools released the new safety guidelines on Thursday morning.
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The changes come after multiple fights broke out at the first game of the school year, according to a previous News Center 7 report.
Eight people are facing criminal charges in connection with these fights.
Some of the new rules include going through a metal detector, bringing clear bags, and not wearing face covers or masks.
News Center 7’s Malik Patterson tried to speak with district officials about the rules on Friday, but didn’t hear back from anyone.
Some community members attending the game told News Center 7 that they have no problem with the new rules.
“I think it’s going to make it safer for people, especially in my era, when we were in school, they didn’t have it, but it’s okay. We’re going to still support,” Trotwood resident Natasha Norvell said.
Norvell said Friday’s game between Trotwood and Springfield was special.
“I have nephews on both teams, so I’m neutral. I have to be neutral, but I’m supporting both. But I think it’s going to be a good game,” she said.
Norvell said the extra measures make the game “a little bit more secure.”
Others said they have mixed feelings.
“I don’t think at a high school game you need to be ID’d, or searched, screened, or anything. It’s kind of weird,” Trotwood resident Cheyenne Sawyer said.
On Thursday, Trotwood-Madison School District Superintendent Marlon Howard provided the following statement to News Center 7.
“The safety of our students, staff, and community is always our top priority. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment and continuously evaluate our policies and procedures to ensure they reflect best practices.
The recently released safety protocols are one of several steps we are taking to reinforce that commitment. Our hope is that this proactive measure addresses concerns and helps prevent future issues, allowing everyone to feel secure and focused on learning.
Thanks for the outreach and Go Rams!"
— Trotwood-Madison City School Superintendent Marlon Howard
The following rules took effect for Friday night’s game:
- Football ticket sales closed at 7:45 p.m.
- Trotwood Madison High School students must show their student ID to enter
- Students under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult of 21-years-older
- Home fans and students enter through the central gate under the grandstand
- Visitors must enter through the south gate near the tennis courts
- No re-entry is allowed once you leave the sporting event
- Only clear bags up to 12x6x12 inches are permitted. No backpacks or large bags are allowed
- No masks or face coverings that prevent recognition are allowed (exceptions may be made in cold weather at staff discretion).
- Fighting will result in removal and an indefinite ban from extracurricular events
- Suspended or expelled students may not attend sporting events
- Unruly or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate removal and possible school or legal consequences
- All guests are subject to security screening
- No drugs, alcohol, vaping, or smoking anywhere on school grounds, including parking lots
- No weapons or firearms, including those with a Concealed Carry Permit.
- All student spectators must be picked up within 30 minutes of the end of the event. Failure to comply may result in a loss of future attendance privileges.
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