STARKVILLE — Those attending Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District athletic events this school year will want to bring belongings in a clear bag.
With the approaching Starkville-West Point game, the district will implement the policy for the first time Friday prior to kickoff at Starkville High School.
Superintendent Tony McGee said the new policy to add more security measures at all athletic events within the school district.
“We felt like (the new policy) would add an extra layer of security for our families and our patrons,” McGee said. “We looked at what some of the other school districts around the state were doing. We saw that Hattiesburg had just recently adopted a very similar measure, and we know that here in Starkville, Mississippi State (University) takes the same measures at some of their athletic events. We just felt like it was a good idea to add an extra layer of security for our people.”
The most common questions district officials are getting at the moment concern the size of the bag. SOCSD Public Information Officer Nicole Thomas said a graphic with parameters on what is allowed in and what is not has been sent out to parents, posted on social media and is on the district website.
“We’ve made a really strong effort so that people are aware of the new policy,” Thomas said. “I think that because we live and go to school in the same town as Mississippi State that a lot of our fans are MSU fans that are very used to (a clear bag policy.) … We are really pushing it this week. We’re going to send out more reminders and post more on social media.”
With the new policy no clear bags larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches will be allowed in the stadium.
Athletic event-goers may also bring their items inside a one gallon plastic bag like Ziploc freezer bags, and they can bring in a small 4.5-by-6.5 clutch bag that doesn’t have to be clear. Tinted and patterned plastic bags will not be allowed in the stadium.
School officials are asking those coming to the next few football and volleyball games to arrive earlier than they normally would to ensure they get in by game start due to a security screening checkpoint.
The checkpoint will include making sure bags adhere to the new policy, that no prohibited items are being brought in as well as a metal detector-wand screening. Those with bags not following the new policy will be asked to return the bags to their vehicles.
“We’re asking folks to return their bags to the vehicle so we know that bag is secure,” McGee said. “It’s going to be more difficult for us to hold it. As they enter the stadium, school personnel will be there, so if there is something that does not fit the qualifications, we’ll ask the person to take it back.”
Away team fans must also adhere to this policy, and SOCSD Athletic Director Greg Owen has passed the information about the new bag policy to all other athletic directors of teams Starkville is set to play in the regular season.
“All of the athletic directors that we play at home this year for volleyball and football have been informed,” Owen said. “Yellow Jacket soccer is jumping on the opportunity and selling clear bags.”
Owen said he encourages fans to purchase tickets online instead of at the game to make the process of getting in go quicker and easier. For the next few games, SOCSD is preparing for entrance to take a little longer while people are getting accustomed to the new clear bag policy.
Owen said the new policy is all part of the culture the district is trying to set of safety and ensuring that student athletes and Yellow Jacket fans can enjoy a game without fear.
“We want a safe environment,” Owen said. “As people get used to the policy, it just helps us give an environment for our athletes to compete, where fans can come in and cheer for their teams and be relaxed and just enjoy the game.”
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