Richland One Announces Additional Safety Measures for High School Football Games

Starting Friday, Richland One will implement additional safety and security protocols at the district’s varsity football games.

“We want to be proactive when it comes to safety and security at our high school football games,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon. “These additional safety measures are a result of continuing discussions with our school-level administrators as well as district staff.”

The district has been using weapons detectors at stadium entrances for several years. Richland One also has a clear bag policy for spectators, and law enforcement officers and private security officers are on duty at all of the high school football games.

Additional safety and security measures that will go into effect September 23 include:

• Face coverings that completely cover a person’s face will not be allowed.
  
  
• No one will be admitted into the games after halftime.
  
  
• Entry gates will close at the end of halftime.
  
  
• Concession stands will close at the end of the third quarter.
  
  
• No one will be allowed to stand, congregate or “hang out” on the concourse or around the concession stands or restrooms during the game. Spectators must remain seated except when going to the restrooms or to the concessions stands.

Dr. Witherspoon noted that district leaders will continue to monitor safety- and security-related matters, and other protocols may be implemented for high school football games, middle school football games and other extracurricular activities.