NEWCASTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS / From the desk of Dr. Cathy Walker
Nothing is more important to Newcastle than the safety of our students, staff, guests and fans. In light of recent acts of violence at Oklahoma high school football games, Newcastle Public Schools is implementing the following protocols to help increase the safety of all individuals in attendance at Newcastle home events for all sports.
Beginning Friday, September 8, 2023, the following guidelines were implemented for all home events:
NEWCASTLE ATHLETICS SPECTATOR GUIDELINES/EXPECTATIONS
There will be no re-entry once a spectator/fan has exited the facility.
Facility/Gates will open for admission one hour prior to game time.
The following policies will be enforced this year (including, but not limited to): No weapons (including guns and knives) are allowed on NPS property. This includes concealed carry weapons even if a person has a license.
Allbagsmustbeclear.(Withtheexceptionofdiaperbags.Seeattached document for acceptable items).
No Backpacks, purses, oversized bags or drawstring bags. No sporting equipment such as balls or footballs. No outside food or beverage, ice chest, coolers and containers. (With the exception of clear water bottles).
No tobacco or Alcohol. No drugs of any type. No laser pointers No pets (with the exception of service animals) No external sound systems, speakers etc. NPS students without student ID’s (Pre-K-8th grade for 2023-2024) must be accompanied by an adult and remain with the adult at all times NPS high school students will be required to show/provide their student ID with their ticket.
Loitering will not be tolerated: Students/Children are to sit in the stands (or at the fence with parents) and shall not congregate under the stands or in other areas of the sporting complex.
All clear bags and diaper bags will be allowed but may be subject to search.
Bags necessary for approved medical equipment are permitted. Parents are to keep students under direct supervision at all times in case of an emergency situation.
Students will be restricted to their (home or visitor) side of the stadium.
Failure to meet these expectations will result in the removal from the event.
NPS will have extra police, security and administrators at home events to provide additional supervision and enforce expectations.
If You See Something Say Something
I recognize it is hard for our younger students to stay seated during an entire game. There will be an area designated for students in grades Pre-K-5th grade to run and play during halftime with parent supervision. There is also a middle school section and a high school section for those students who want to sit with their friends.
I apologize for the miscommunication at Monday night’s football game. Any new guidelines and changes made to policy will be communicated by me in an email and I will post it on our social media page. The new guidelines outlined in this email will go into effect on Friday.
Again, safety is our number one priority. Thank you for observing these new guidelines and for your support of Newcastle Public Schools and Racer Athletics!
It’s a great day to be a Racer.
