MADISON, Ala. — The Madison County School System this week enacted further policies they say will ensure tighter security at high school athletic events in the wake of a disruption that led to the early end to a football game. School officials emailed families the new rules on Wednesday.
Moving forward, all students in grades 9-12 will be required to present a valid student ID issued by the district or a valid driver's license in addition to the issued game ticket in order to be admitted to a venue.
"Students whose school is not participating in the event will be denied entry," the email states.
Copies of school-issued IDs will be accepted in the form of printouts or photos taken on mobile devices. Digital versions accessed on web browsers will also be accepted. A version of the message posted to the district's Facebook page includes instructions on how to access the digital version of a student's ID card.
Other security measures that were developed or enhanced following a public meeting on the topic include:
- Elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult, who must remain in attendance throughout the game
- Spectators may not be in possession of large bags or backpacks unless there is 'a parental or medical need'
- Spectators must keep walkways clear for fans, teams, and officials
- Loitering is not permitted
- Ticket sales will be capped at 80% of venue capacity for football games and 90% for all other sports.
The district warns that "if safety concerns continue, then additional restrictions for attendance will be implemented."