By Tatum Northington
Elmore/Autauga News
With increased tensions and safety concerns across the nation, local area schools are implementing new safety protocols for athletic events. Across Autauga and Elmore Counties, attendees can expect to see a larger police presence, implementation of clear bag policies, guardianship rules, no pockets on items, and more. With occurrences happening close to home, Autauga and Elmore schools have taken a step to improve safety at their athletic events.
Safety protocols are nothing new when it comes to attending events throughout the United States; be it concerts or sports. Clear bag policies have been adopted by many districts in the State of Alabama to implement extra safety precautions. Also, guardianship rules are being added to the safety measures, meaning parents or guardians must be at the game with their children under a certain age. While rules vary district to district and school to school across our region, it is imperative that the community understands why these rules have been implemented.
Speaking with Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis, he said “Events have happened close to home that have worried many of our citizens. I commend the way Dr. Brown, Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, on how quickly he handled the situation in Montgomery and how he implemented their safety procedures. We are no longer concerned with sending our students to away games and we invite others from across the state to our stadiums, with the intention that they are safe and can be assured that we care about their enjoyment at all events.”
The schools need the community’s help. These safety procedures and measures are being put in place to keep fans safer, allowing security to easily and quickly identify contents with the clear bags and to make sure children are supervised. These policies aim to keep events enjoyable for attendees of all ages and to allow sporting events to continue to allow patrons to be in attendance.
Speaking with Autauga County Superintendent Tim Tidmore, he explained “We are reminding all students and parents that just because they’re at an athletic event, doesn’t exclude them from the same expectations of behavior we have on our campuses. We need parents and guardians to help us by talking with their children about where it is appropriate to congregate and where it isn’t. These events attract many members of the community of all ages, and we want these events to be enjoyable for all in attendance.”
With your help, all school events can continue to be a place for socializing and congregation, with the expectation that societies help one another when they can.
Specific school/district policies are below. We will continue to add policies as we receive them. These policies are implemented for all attendees, including visiting schools and teams. All schools also ask that you do not “redeem” your GoFan ticket yourself as they have to be the ones to do so. Any person who redeems their ticket prior to entry will forfeit that ticket sale.
Be sure to follow your school’s website or social media accounts to always be up-to-date on current situations.
Autauga County:
Autaugaville
- Clear Bag Policy
- Students are to be with a parent or guardian, age 21+
Marbury
- All in attendance that are not Marbury High Students, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, including away team students.
Prattville
- Clear Bag Policy
- Small clutches allowed
- No passes out
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Elmore County:
Stanhope Elmore
- Clear Bag Policy
- Diaper bags are permitted only if you have the child with you
- SEHS Students must have their student IDs
- All others must have a guardian 21+ with them
- No crossover between sides, visitors must enter at the visitor’s gate
