Are Illinois Schools Doing Enough To Ensure Safety At Sporting Events?

After a large fight broke out during a football game at Harlem High School in Machesney Park, Illinois on Friday, September 6, 2024, the school district had implemented new safety policies going forward. Will other high schools in Illinois do the same soon?

Safety Issues at Illinois High School Football Games

When I was in high school, football season was my favorite time of the year. I was on the pom squad, so attending every home game was a requirement, but I often went to away games too because I loved the experience of Friday Night Lights with all of my friends.

Unfortunately, kids today have more things to worry about at a football game than whether or not their team will win. Safety issues are becoming a growing issue at Illinois school sporting events, and as a parent, are you ever worried that schools aren't taking the problem serious enough?

Harlem High School Implements Stricter Safety Policies for Football Games

After a huge fight created pandemonium and a large police presence at a recent Harlem High School football game, these new policies are in effect at home games going forward...

While the incident at the Harlem game caught major media and community attention, I know that fighting and students misbehaving during sporting events is nothing new at high school sporting events, so now the big question is; will other Illinois school districts implement stricter safety polices soon too?

Safety Policies at Illinois High School Sporting Events

I'm pretty sure many schools throughout Illinois have their own unique set of safety policies for school sporting events, but a few rules that are becoming more standard include:

• Prohibited bags (Example, backpacks, large purses, coolers are not allowed in the stadium)
• Elementary students need to be seated by their parents and not running around.
• Students from schools other than the home or visiting school are not allowed inside the stadium.

Does the school district where you live have a safety policy that you think would be beneficial for other Illinois schools? Send us an app message and tell us about it!

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