Schools Address Fan Behavior by Issuing New Game Attendance Rules

Following an uptick in fighting among area fans, two high schools in Henrico County, Va., have altered rules for spectating at athletic events.

As reported by ABC affiliate WRIC in Petersburg, Michael Jackson, president of Hermitage High School in Henrico, made an announcement in a letter to families on Wednesday.

According to the new guidelines, anyone under the age of 18 will be prohibited from attending the school’s football games unless accompanied by someone older than 21. The adult will be required to bring an ID and will be responsible for supervising the minor for the duration of the game.

Fans are being asked to purchase tickets online before the game, stay in their seats during the game and leave immediately after. Loitering will not be allowed in or near the parking lot.

In addition, concessions stands will be closed after the third quarter.

Students who violate the new guidelines, which took effect in time for Thursday's game against Varina High School, could face disciplinary actions, according to Jackson’s letter. 

Soon after the announcement at Hermitage, Highland Springs High School administrators announced they, too, were making safety changes as a cautionary measure, WRIC reported.

WRIC outlined the Highland Springs policy changes as follows:

Before the game

• Tickets must be purchased online and will stop being sold at 12 p.m. the day before each game. 
• Attendees younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult and enter through two clearly-identified gates. 
• Adults supervising minors must present a picture ID, with a date of birth. If the picture ID does not match the name used to purchase a ticket via GoFans, guests will not be allowed to enter the game and a refund will be issued. 
• At no point before, during or after the game will loitering be permitted in front of the stadium, near the field or in the parking lot. Those who loiter will be asked to leave the premises.

During the game

• Minors must remain under the supervision of the adult who accompanied them to the game.
• Adults who accompany a minor are responsible for the behavior of the student they are supervising.
• Concessions will close at the end of the 3rd Quarter.

After the game

• At the conclusion of the game, all guests must exit the premises immediately.
• Loitering is not permitted in or near the parking lot.

In his letter, Hermitage's Jackson wrote, “The expectation is that all students will behave in a manner that upholds the standards to which we hold ourselves and one another every day at Hermitage High School. Working together, we can help ensure that athletic events and all after-school activities are safe and enjoyable experiences for our students, families and guests.”