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La Plata, Maryland – Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is implementing a system-wide safety plan for school athletic events. The plan is effective immediately and is part of the school system’s commitment to providing a safe experience for participants at school events.
The plan was developed with input from high school athletic directors, principals, and other staff in the CCPS Office of School Administration and Leadership and School Safety and Security. The plan includes step-by-step procedures for schools to follow should changes to the format of events or activities related to safety and spectators be necessary.
Implementation of a safety plan at any level is an individual school-based decision. Criteria that administrators consider when implementing the plan include the expected attendance of spectators; Facility limitations, parking layout, and lighting. Events within the school community that may affect school activities. History of conflicts between schools and incidents between schools and athletic teams.
A summary of the plan is posted on the athletics page of the school system website. The plan will also be posted on all high school websites and shared with the school community.
CCPS currently uses the online ticketing platform GoFan for all ticket purchases. Event status changes will be posted on GoFan (https://gofan.co/).
Below are the details of the layered protocol.
level 1
- School-age spectators may be subject to ID checks and must have their student ID card ready when attending sporting events.
- Bags, backpacks, coolers, outside food and beverages, and sports equipment are prohibited.
- Spectators must pay to re-enter. Spectator capacity and ticket restrictions may apply.
- Admission to events may be time-restricted (i.e. schools may publish entry deadlines). Parents of student-athletes may enter after these posted times.
- Entrances and exits can be staggered, providing additional security in crowded areas.
- Gatherings other than seating areas or concessions are prohibited before, during, or after the event. All spectators must be seated in the bleachers during the event.
- Spectators must use an online GoFan ticket to gain admission.
level 2
- All conditions for level 1 apply, and the following conditions apply:
- Students from all participating schools may attend with proof of online ticket purchase and a valid school ID or StudentVue authorization for their current schedule. All other school-aged adults must be accompanied by a ticket-purchasing companion who is 21 years of age or older. Chaperones must supervise students during their stay at the event.
- Concession sales may be restricted.
- Due to event management, match times and dates are subject to change.
level 3
- All conditions for Level 1 apply, and the following conditions apply:
- Only homeschool students may attend with proof of online ticket purchase and a valid school ID or StudentVue authorization for their current schedule.
- Immediate family members of home-school and away-school student-athletes (those who live in the home of the participating student-athlete) may participate. Family members under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a ticket-purchasing companion who is at least 21 years old. Chaperones must supervise students during their stay at the event.
- Concession sales may be limited or canceled.
- Due to event management, match times and dates are subject to change.
level 4
- All conditions for level 1 apply, and the following conditions apply:
- Immediate family members of home-school and away-school student-athletes (those who live in the home of the participating student-athlete) may participate. Family members under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a ticket-purchasing companion who is at least 21 years old. Chaperones must supervise students during their stay at the event.
- Concession sales may be limited or canceled.
- Due to event management, match times and dates are subject to change.
- In some cases, we may refuse entry to spectators.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides an academically challenging education for 27,598 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. Charles County Public Schools, located in southern Maryland, has 37 schools that are progressive, technologically advanced schools that build character, prepare for leadership, and prepare students for life, career, and higher education. We provide high quality education.
The Charles County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Keisling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (Student) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (Employee), Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Office /adult). Building, PO Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations, please call him at 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to your event.
CCPS provides designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts) nondiscriminatory and equal access to school facilities in accordance with facility use rules.