Madison implements fan ejection policy at school sports events

MADISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) – While fall sports will soon be underway at high schools in the Tri-State, Madison Local Schools is telling fans to keep the passion to a lowerer simmer this season.

Superintendent Jeff Stagg didn’t cite any specific instances of fan issues within the district, but changed its policy due to what they see as societal issues and increased incidents around the country.

“We thought it was the right timing for it,” Stagg said. “Again, I think it’s a societal thing and we see it getting worse and we want to be proactive instead of reactive.”

If school staff or officials eject a fan during a game this year, the fan will be banned two homes games and be required to take a class before they’re allowed to attend.

Stagg said there were two be different classes, one for parents who are ejected and another for students who were ejected.

“It’s about positive actions at a sporting event,” Stagg said. “What should we do, what shouldn’t we do?”

Madison isn’t the only school changing rules for fans at sporting events. Other schools in the area, including those in Madison’s conference, the Southwestern Buckeye League, have made changes to fan policies.

“I just think, particularly when you go to events, as in years past I think behavior has got a little bit worse,” Stagg said. “I think it’s time that there’s expectations.”

The policy would increase penalties on repeat offenders. A second ejection brings a six month ban from sporting events, a third would be a ban for the rest of the calendar year.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 WXIX. All rights reserved.