Safety protocols and fan conduct at school sporting events

With the start of the new school year, the fall sports season also will commence. Of course, there will be football games for Philip Simmons High School and Bishop England, along with other schools and sports. Therefore, we thought a note about planning to attend the game and behavior at the game would be prudent.

 

By now, many of us are aware of the term “clear bag policy.” Berkeley County School District maintains a “clear bag or no bag” policy. BCSD and Charleston County School District permit the following: “Each ticketed individual will be permitted to carry one clear tote bag, not to exceed 12” x 6’’ x 12” and a small clutch or wallet can be included in this clear tote if it does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5.” A clear tote bag is not required in order to carry small permissible items such as keys, wallets, cell phones, credit cards, cash, etc., which should be carried in a pocket.” Notably, some items not on this list (therefore not permitted) are backpacks, binoculars case, camera case, computer bag, and diaper bags. Bishop England does not have a posted policy, but presumably a similar standard may apply.

 

Now that you are at the game and inside, clear bag in hand, what can happen if I just “really disagree” with a call on the field. We have all seen in person (or in online videos) “that parent” who is a little too worked up and maybe takes things too far with anger and venom towards players, coaches, referees and other spectators. Can this type of activity harm the school or team?  Yes.

 

In South Carolina, high school football is largely regulated by the South Carolina High School League, which maintains written bylaws and rules. Per SCHSL rules, during the game you could be disciplined. SCHSL’s rules permit officials to issue penalties to teams. Also, SCHSL dictates “a school must control its spectators.” Therefore, you could be ejected or removed from the event by the school and/or local law enforcement

 

Moreover, for issues serious enough to warrant post-game review, the SCHSL bylaws provide that spectators can bring an “unsportsmanlike conduct” charge against the school which can result in a warning, reprimand, probation and/or a $500 fine. The bylaws further provide that “more serious unsportsmanlike actions” can result in a $2,500 fine and/or suspension.  

 

Point being, our actions as parents, spectators and school supporters can negatively impact the school, the program and pocketbook. The SCHSL also confers wide discretion to each school to govern safety and security. Thus, the school can also impose penalties, including banning a fan, parent or spectator from future sporting events.  

 

Please enjoy the upcoming sports season and be a good sport!

 

Chris Mingledorff and Michael Patterson are attorneys with Mingledorff & Patterson LLC on Daniel Island. For more information, go to mptrial.com.