Youth seating restricted at Elmira High football games | Parents & kids

ELMIRA, Ore. - Children who attend home football games at Elmira High School must sit with their parents or in a supervised "youth seating" area, the school says.

Members of the Elmira community have been debating the issue on the school's Facebook page since a note was posted there just before noon:

For the remaining home football games there will be some new policies in place that will hopefully increase the likelihood that game can be enjoyed by all. Below is one: "All children who do not sit with their parents will be asked to sit in the supervised “youth seating” area located immediately east of the home grandstands. If your child does not sit in one of these two places they may be escorted outside the gate and allowed to re-enter the stadium the last 2 minutes of the game to connect with you to go home."

Fern Ridge Middle School sent a letter to parents outlining the policy.

Gary Carpenter, the principal at Elmira High School, declined to be interviewed on camera about the new policy. He said it is modeled after a policy at Thurston High School in Springfield.

A concerned parent, Bill Linn, contacted KVAL News to talk about the 10-point proposal he plans to take to the Fern Ridge School District board as an alternative to the new policy.

1. An honest, open letter to parents addressing the issue, calling for input and asking for the community’s help to ensure event safety. Lay out the steps that need to occur before we have the “police state” option.

2. Creation of a Parent Safety Committee with representatives from each school and one student. (Middle school president?) Committee reports to the school board.

a. Formation of parent game monitors (five per game) – each with safety training and authority to bring in administrators at the game for enforcement.

b. Responsible for communications to parents on issues on the way into games as well as post game.

c. Attendee wide code of conduct tools including discussions at pre-game assemblies at each school. Conduct at game will be reflected in restriction of extracurricular activities at their own school.

d. Safety committee could also be used at other key events such as graduations.

3. Create an “Event safety” plan. Post it. (including evacuation plans etc.)

4. Clearly communicated rules and enforcement of event ejection, parental notification and police action for unattended minors (under 18) Create rules for banning students responsible for disruptions. (deal with the problems kids individually)

5. Wrist bands required for all youth with parents in attendance. Easier to identify unaccompanied minors.

6. Ask Lane County Sheriff to park at front entrance as people enter the game. Make their presence known as kids enter via the safety committee members. Consider off-duty Sheriff representative paid for out of football funds.

7. Creation of a VOLUNTARY – ALL YOUTH – Future Falcons area called – “The Nest” (elementary, middle and even high school) seating area. Make it cool to be there – separate snack area etc.

8. More clearly marked and properly lit problem areas.

9. Increased use of off limits area signage and barriers to entry.

10. In game announcements regarding “please keep our event safe and enjoyable.”

 This is a developing story. Watch KVAL.com and KVAL 13 TV News at 5, 6 and 11 Tuesday, Sept. 27, for more