News Release: DeSoto ISD Announces Safety and Security Expectations for Athletics Events

The DeSoto ISD Administration has established clear guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees at our home sporting events. The expectations outlined below cover various aspects of behavior and participation.

Stadium Bag Policy:

• Backpacks are not allowed at athletic events. This includes clear backpacks. Students should not enter the stadium or buildings with backpacks. Bags approved under the stadium bag policy are acceptable.

Attendees at District events shall be permitted to carry the following to events at the District’s stadiums:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” The bags may be hand-carried or have a shoulder strap.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar).
• Small, one-compartment, clutch bags that do not exceed 8.5” x 5.5”, with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag.

Prohibited bags shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

• all purses, bags, or containers larger than a small clutch bag
• Coolers
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• fanny packs
• cinch bags
• luggage of any kind
• computer bags
• camera bags

An exception shall be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them to the stadiums on game day.

Stadium Entry Requirements

DeSoto ISD will require all students and staff to wear and maintain a district-issued identification badge to enter the game.

• All DeSoto ISD students MUST have both a ticket and CURRENT SCHOOL ISSUED ID and enter through Gate B.
• Only DeSoto ISD students are permitted on the home side of the stadium.
• Those without a badge, will not be permitted to enter the stadium.
• Metal detectors will be operational at every entry point into the stadium and security checks will take place as patrons enter the event.

Student ID Requirements:

• DeSoto ISD students and students from the opposing high school must have their ID for entrance into all DeSoto ISD athletic events. IDs must be visible at all times. If students do not comply, they will be removed immediately or denied admittance.

Accompanied by Adults:

• Students in K through 8th grade should be accompanied by a parent or guardian for entry into any athletic event. The parent or guardian has to stay at the DeSoto ISD athletic event.
• Visiting students who do not attend the high school of the opposing team must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and sit on the visitor side of the stadium

Seating During the Game:

• To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, all students must be seated throughout the game.
• Students K through 8^th grade are required to sit with their parent or guardian throughout the game.
• No foot traffic across the field will be allowed

This directive not only promotes an organized and comfortable environment but also facilitates better crowd management.

Concessions:

• Concessions are located in the concourse area of the stadium. If a student is hanging out on the concourse and not in the concession line, they will be removed immediately from the stadium and the parent or guardian will have to take the student off school property.
• Additionally, we will streamline and minimize traffic along the concourse and in concession areas and bathroom areas and will clear venues immediately following the closure of all games and events.

Spectator Access:

• Spectators attending games at the stadium/coliseum must exhibit good behavior while attending games with DeSoto ISD.
• Spectators are allowed in the coliseum and competition gyms and will receive a hand stamp that will allow access to the gyms.
• There is a designated system for entering and exiting the gyms and buildings. Security personnel will direct how individuals enter and exit the gym/coliseum.
• Administrators, City Officials, Board Members, and designated spectators will be given passes to move in certain areas of the stadium. These passes have to be worn in visible sight so security personnel will be able to identify if a person belongs in that area. Those without proper credentials will not be allowed in designated areas.

Good Sportsmanship:

• Always exhibit good sportsmanship, including being respectful during the National Anthem, school songs, team introductions, band, dance, and cheer performances.
• Avoid booing or yelling at officials or opposing players.
• Represent DeSoto ISD in a positive manner and show respect to other students and adults attending the game.

No Standing or Hanging Out on the Concourse Level:

• Standing or hanging out on the top level of the coliseum or gym lobby areas is not allowed.
• Standing or hanging out on the concourse level of the stadium area is not allowed.
• Charging phones will not be allowed in the stadium, coliseum, or gym areas.

District Student Behavioral Expectations

• DeSoto ISD and OPPOSING TEAM students in attendance at district games and events MUST be in the dress code.

Key Components of the Dress Code Include the Following:

• No jeans or bottoms with holes, rips, tears, frays, or other types of exposed areas in the garment.
• All tops and bottoms MUST be of an appropriate length under the dress code; Tops MUST cover the waistband or belt loops of an individual’s bottoms.
• Appropriate footwear must be worn.
• No hoodies will be permitted to be worn covering an individual’s head.
• No lewd or obscene language or messages will be permitted on garments
• DeSoto ISD students MUST remain seated while attending district games or events unless they frequent the restroom or the concession stand.
• Students will remain on their team’s respective side of the stadium and will not be allowed to cross over.
• Students who refuse to vacate the stairways and concourse areas will be directed to exit the stadium by event staff members.
• Loud or inappropriate language will not be tolerated while in attendance at district games or events.
• Verbal or physical altercations will not be tolerated while in attendance at district games or events. Failure to comply with the above-listed expectations will result in removal from district games or events. Students may also be prohibited from attending future events as well.

Post-Game Departure:

• After the games are finished, all spectators are asked to leave the facility immediately. Students not accompanied by an adult who remains at the facility 10 minutes past the conclusion of the sporting event will be moved inside a secure location and must be signed out by an adult. Students not picked up within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the event will not be permitted to attend future sporting events for the remainder of the semester.

Consequences for Non-compliance:

• Failure to adhere to any of the game day policies will result in future attendance restrictions for DeSoto ISD Athletic events.

Spectator Conduct Policy:

• Spectators must understand that undesirable behaviors may lead to removal from the premises and potential prohibition from attending future contests. School administrators have the authority to remove spectators from the facility. Spectators must recognize that actions such as questioning calls, expressing dissatisfaction with officiating, directing inappropriate language or name-calling, or engaging in disruptive behavior will not be tolerated by the official association or DeSoto ISD, and may result in immediate removal from the facility.
• The Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) follows a three-strike policy. After three incidents requiring the removal of a spectator at the official’s request, the organization can refuse to officiate our games. DeSoto ISD will not hesitate to host games without spectators if necessary to prevent reaching strike three and having the TASO organization refuse officiation. Our priority is to ensure our kids can play, and for that to happen, spectators must be respectful and mindful of their conduct.
• Individuals removed from a game will face consequences, which include a mandatory meeting with the DeSoto ISD administration and possible prohibition from attending extracurricular events for up to one calendar year. Let us collectively create a positive and supportive atmosphere for our student-athletes, allowing them to showcase their talents in exciting competitions.

About DeSoto Independent School District

DeSoto ISD is a public independent school district serving more than 6,000 students and 800 employees. The district comprises 10 campuses serving students from early childhood through graduation. DeSoto ISD’s mission is to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels. The District’s 2021 Be The Future Strategic Plan focuses on equity, access, and excellence to provide a holistic and well-rounded educational experience to students and families in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.

For more information about DeSoto ISD, visit www.desotoisd.org.