New Rules For Students At Avon Lake Football Games

AVON LAKE, OH — When Avon Lake High plays its first home football game of the year on Friday, student fans will face new rules in the stands. The Avon Lake Schools announced new procedures for student seating at games, with the aim of improving security and access to the gridiron.

Six new policies will be put into place on Friday and will remain in place for all subsequent home football games. Any students that don't comply with the new rules of the student section will be escorted to their parents and told to remain under their supervision.

"Student attendance at sporting events is an important element to promoting school spirit. It is our hope that students sitting in the bleachers will cheer and support the cheerleaders, band, and athletes on Friday nights. We appreciate your understanding and assistance as these actions are intended to ensure the safety and the enjoyment of the evening for all spectators," the district said on its website.

The new rules are as follows:

• All elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent to get into the stadium
• All elementary students must sit with their parents in the home bleachers
• Students must remain in the bleachers during the game
• Students in grades 5-8 will sit in the bleachers (The Pier) in the west end zone. Students must remain in the bleachers during the game. The 5th-8th grade student section will be released to use the restroom as a group at half time. Administrators and staff will oversee the Pier.
• Students in grades 9-12 will sit in the normal student section on the northeast side of the stadium
• Backpacks, outside food and drink, footballs and soccer balls are not allowed in the stadium. Artificial noise makers are also banned.

If students break these rules and their parents are not at the game, their parents will be called and asked to take the student home, the district said.