That didn't take long.
After sparking a furor Friday with an announcement that basically amount to banning the public from its indoor winter sports districts, the Upper Darby School District immediately modified the policy Saturday.
Reacting to a series of incidents including several fights in the stands, on Friday the school district said attendance would be closed to all except students with IDs, parents and family members invited by their teams and visiting teams, and students from visiting teams with valid ID.
You can imagine how that was received.
No one is going to argue the district is right to be concerned about the safety of athletes, coaches, staff and and others attending sporting events. That became even more so after a recent altercation at an Upper Darby hoops game against Haverford, one the district pointed out involved students from outside the school district.
"To ensure there's a safe environment for our students, our parents ... we wanted to make sure we would control who's coming and going to our games," said district spokesperson Aaronda Beauford Friday.
But amid some serious backlash late Friday and Saturday, the district quickly modified its hard-line stance.
The public will once again be allowed to attend. Those who are not on pre-approved lists will still have to be approved by school personnel.
"I understand that there is much upset and frustration on scial media about our decision to re-evaluate our proceduresa and admittance process for winter sports," Superintendent Dan McGarry said in a statement Saturday night.
Here is the new statement issued by the district late Saturday afternoon - after all of about two dozen people were inside the gym as Upper Darby boys faced off against Conestoga:
"The Upper Darby School District is committed to ensuring the health, safety and well-being of its students, staff, and visitors at its athletic events. In keeping with this commitment, the district continues to evaluate its safety practices in all school settings.
"In an effort to clear up some inaccuracies and/or incomplete information reported in the media recently, Upper Darby School District is releasing this communication as the district’s official statement regarding the changes to the student and visitor entry at winter sporting events. To provide a place for district and visitor student athletes to display their talent and for students, visitors and community members to attend games in a safe environment, the district has established a new procedure to better manage the behavior of some spectators and visitors at District sporting events.
"During a December 17th boys varsity basketball game, an altercation started in the crowd and interrupted the game.The incident did not involve any athletes from either team. District security, administration and police were able to escort those involved out of the building.At the conclusion of the game, the police had to call for assistance from Haverford Township and Lansdowne Borough in order to control altercations that began to break out off of campus. Upper Darby School District appreciates the support of local law enforcement.
“'The December 17th incident was embarrassing, and it is certainly not something we want to represent our school district or community," McGarry said. "I called the superintendent of the other school district and apologized for the incident. Our plan is to provide a safe, secure, and positive atmosphere. Members of the public can certainly attend our sporting events, but we have a new process for students and non-students.”
Here is the district’s new plan:
* Designated student seating section
* Designated visitor seating section
* Opposing team fans must sit in the visitor section.
* Strong visible police presence. Police have been assigned to previous sporting events as well. We will continue to work with police to increase police presence at the events when necessary.
* Alumni can attend but are not permitted to sit in the student section.
* For students (UDSD and VISITING): Only students with school-issued IDs and who are eligible to attend school events will be allowed to purchase a ticket at the event. Students are able to pre-purchase tickets with district-issued student ID during the school day. Students must arrive to the sporting event with their district-issued photo ID. Non-UDSD students must arrive with their District’s school photo ID to purchase the $5.00 tickets at the door.
* Pre-approved Spectator List: Prior to each sporting event, the Upper Darby School District team and the visiting team will submit a list of approved parents and family members who plan to attend the game. Those on the list will not require additional approval to purchase a ticket at the gate. Anyone not on the pre-approved spectator list may still enter the game with the purchase of a $5 ticket at the door and approval by either Upper Darby District personnel or by personnel from the visiting team.
* Upper Darby School District personnel are posted at the door.
* Students are not allowed to bring backpacks and/or large bags to sporting events.
*Outside food and drinks are not allowed at sporting events.
"It is the expectation of the Upper Darby School District that anyone attending an event display proper decorum," the statement continues. "Students must act in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct at District-sponsored events. It is important to the district that it provides a safe environment where student athletes can display their talent and where visitors can enjoy the game. Students who violate the District Code of Conduct will be disciplined in accordance with District policy. Students and visitors could also be subject to criminal prosecution by the Upper Darby Police for any violation of the PA Crimes Code. The District will reevaluate this process and provide an update if further changes are made. The Upper Darby School District thanks all stakeholders for their consideration and feedback as it continues to provide the best Opportunities for its students to reach Excellence."
They made the right call.
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