Photograph: St. Landry School Superintendent Patrick Jenkins looks over aspects for the new policy with Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor and parish public school athletic director Clarissa Johnson. (Photograph by Bobby Ardoin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Contributing Writer
Clear tote bags. More law enforcement presence. Security checks and metal detectors at the gate.
Those are just three of the features of a new high school sports spectator attendance policy that will be implemented effective immediately at all St. Landry Parish high school sports events.
The new rules include parish private and parochial schools, according to parish public school athletic director Clarissa Johnson.
School and law enforcement officials announced features of the new policy Thursday during a press conference held at the School Board office in Opelousas.
Superintendent Patrick Jenkins said implementation of the policy which increases restrictions on crowd behavior and access at all high school sports venues is intended to provide a safer and more enjoyable environment for spectators.
The decision made with the consent of parish and municipal law enforcement follows an Aug. 26 event which caused the shutdown of the annual St. Landry Parish Football Jamboree at Donald Gardner Stadium.
Jenkins and Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor made the decision to cancel the remainder of the jamboree which was almost two-thirds completed after several fights occurred among spectators both inside and outside the stadium. At the time Jenkins and Alsandor said they were ending the jamboree due to safety concerns for the large crowd that was in the stadium.
On Thursday Jenkins emphasized that the revised spectator policy was not being activated due solely to the jamboree incident.
Jenkins pointed out many stadiums at colleges and other parishes are already requiring clear bag regulations for spectators along with metal wands that are being used at the entrances to sporting events.
“We have been trending towards this and it’s not the result of one incident. You look at a situation like Port Barre which had to cancel (a Sept. 2 football game at Livonia). As violence seems to be escalating, we feel it’s necessary to look at our policies and make them so that we insure the safety of our students and everyone,” Jenkins said.
Opelousas Police Chief Martin McLendon said he is increasing the number of officers assigned to games at Donald Gardner. In addition McLendon said, police will enforce areas of the stadium where people normally gather during games.
Police officers McLendon said, will be more vigilant in making sure spectators are seated during games. Those wishing to exit the stadium during games, will not be able to re-enter, McLendon added.
Neither McLendon nor school officials mentioned how they plan to regulate tailgating which occurs outside the stadium on game nights.
Chief Deputy Eddie Thibodeaux said the spectator policy is a living document that can be updated if needed.
“We will continue to look at it and readdress if needed. I think that we have it covered. This is going to be new for all of us. At the end of the day this is really about the kids,” said Thibodeaux.
Alsandor said charts about what will be allowed into the stadium under the new policy will be located throughout the stadium and in parish schools.
Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux said law enforcement is merely adapting to the current social environment.
“We are being forced to change tactics, but we need the help of the parents. We can’t do this alone,” Boudreaux said.
Jenkins said long lines that form to enter sports events can be avoided by purchasing advance tickets online at www.eazyticks.com.
The new policy will also require that parents of elementary and middle school students escort their children to the games.
More information about the policy can be obtained Jenkins said, by visiting the parish school system website at www.slpsb.org.
