Sept. 9, the Little Rock School District published the new guidelines for anyone attending any LRSD sporting event. According to LRSD’s article, the purpose of the new guidelines is to “ensure a safe and enjoyable environment” at all athletic events. While some of the enforced guidelines are returning from years past, a few are entirely new, provoking mixed student responses.
One of the returning guidelines is that all high school students must present their student ID to enter any home games. However, a new addition caps ticket sales at 4 p.m. on game day and denies entry into any games after halftime. Refunds also will not be provided for any student or adult with a ticket that arrives late. Similarly students from other schools within the district, from Kindergarten to 12th grade, cannot attend games without the presence of an adult over 21 years old with a valid ID.
Along with limitations on how students can attend games, the new guidelines also place restrictions on what can be brought inside the events. Attendees must adhere to a new clear bag policy in order to, “increase safety and [make] entry into the facility faster and more efficient.” The rules for bringing personal objects are now the following:
- One clear bag (plastic, vinyl, PVC) up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- OR one one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc-style)
- One small clutch (up to 4.5″ x 6.5″)
- Medically necessary items allowed after inspection
- Phones, cameras, and binoculars may be carried separately (no cases)
With no foreseeable end date for the restrictions, LRSD hopes to accomplish their goal “to maintain a safe, family-friendly atmosphere at our games.”
