Athletic Events Safety Plan
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and well-managed athletic events that promote positive student engagement, sportsmanship, and community involvement. This plan establishes countywide expectations for spectators, students, staff, volunteers, and visitors while providing flexibility to address varying attendance levels, venue conditions, event types, and community needs.
Guiding Principles
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Safety First
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Welcoming & Inclusive Environments
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Consistency & Clarity
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Proactive Planning
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Equity & Respect
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Collaboration and Shared Responsibility
The purpose of this plan is to create consistency across WCPS venues, support event personnel, reduce operational risk, and provide a scalable framework that balances safety, accessibility, and positive school-community engagement.
This plan applies to all paid or ticketed WCPS athletic events. Portions of this plan may also be utilized for graduation ceremonies, performing arts events, and other large-scale school activities as designated by district administration.
Event Classifications:
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Universal Requirements – Apply to all paid/ticketed athletic events
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High-Attendance Event Requirements – Apply to designated events
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Event-Specific Requirements – Apply when warranted
A High-Attendance Event is any event expected to attract a larger-than-normal crowd or present increased operational or safety considerations due to attendance, venue capacity, rivalry status, event significance, or community interest. High-Attendance Events may include varsity football, varsity basketball, graduation ceremonies, large invitationals, regional/state contests, and other events designated by administration.
School System
Expectations & Actions
- Expectations for respectful behavior will be communicated and enforced
- Designated spectator seating and student sections will be utilized
- Staff will be strategically positioned to monitor crowd behavior
- Teams shall be supervised at all times
- Only authorized personnel may access restricted competition areas
- Facilities will be cleared in an orderly manner following events
- Media personnel must comply with WCPS credentialing guidelines
Admission, Entry and Re-Entry Procedures
- No Re-Entry: Once a spectator exits an event, re-entry is not permitted unless approved for an Extended Duration Event
- Admission gates close at the end of the third quarter (or equivalent point)
- Spectators arriving during the fourth quarter may enter free of charge unless attempting re-entry or presenting a safety concern
- Capacity limitations and safety restrictions supersede admission procedures
EXTENDED DURATION EVENTS: Events exceeding four hours in duration (wrestling tournaments, track invitationals, guard competitions, etc.) may utilize approved wristband, hand-stamp, or credential systems for re-entry.
Student Identification Requirements
All WCPS students must present a valid WCPS student ID or StudentVUE verification upon entry.
Students unable to verify enrollment may be denied admission.
No-Bag Policy
The No-Bag Policy applies to High-Attendance Events and other events designated by administration.
Prohibited Items:
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Backpacks
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Purses
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Gym bags
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Coolers
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Large bags of any type
EXCEPTIONS: Medically necessary items, disability-related accommodations, infant diaper bags when an infant (child under the age of 3) is present, other items as required by law, and small wallets, clutches, and phone cases.
All permitted items remain subject to visual inspection.
Food and Beverage Expectations
Outside food and beverages are prohibited unless medically necessary, infant-related, or approved by event administration.
Schools/Events without concessions may permit factory-sealed beverages at their discretion.
Prohibited Conduct and Spectator Expectations
All spectators attending WCPS athletic events are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, respect, and appropriate behavior. Spectators shall comply with all applicable expectations established by Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), the Central Maryland Conference (CMC), and any additional event-specific expectations communicated by school administration.
Conduct that disrupts the orderly operation of an event, interferes with the safety and enjoyment of others, violates posted venue expectations, or is inconsistent with established spectator conduct guidelines may result in denial of entry, removal from the event, suspension from future athletic events, referral to law enforcement, or other actions deemed appropriate by school or district administration.
Spectator expectations and conduct guidelines are communicated through posted venue signage, public address announcements, event communications, and applicable WCPS, MPSSAA, and CMC policies and procedures. Event administrators, security personnel, and school officials reserve the right to deny admission to or remove any individual whose behavior poses a safety concern or violates established expectations.
Additional Event Safety Plan Requirements and Procedures
- Determination of Event Safety Tiers
- Security Assessment and Staffing
- Media Access and Credentialing
- Communication and Signage
- Accessibility and ADA Compliance
- Large Venue and Non-Athletic Events
- Implementation Timeline
Determination of Event Safety Tiers
Security Assessment and Staffing
Media Access and Credentialing
Communication and Signage
Accessibility and ADA Compliance
Large Venue and Non-Athletic Events
Implementation Timeline
This plan establishes a proactive countywide framework that balances safety, accessibility, consistency, and positive school-community engagement. By implementing common expectations while retaining flexibility for differing event types and attendance levels, WCPS can continue providing safe and enjoyable experiences for students, families, staff, and community members.
