By Andrea Arens

A new policy released by Peotone 207-U on social media caused quite the stir.

Parents commenting seemed to think the policy was “stupid” and that new administration “didn’t understand” how a small town worked.

The policy requires elementary, intermediate, and junior high students to have an adult with them to enter the football game. Home football games are played at the junior high field but are supervised by high school personnel. It also stipulates students aren’t allowed to enter with backpacks or any athletic equipment.

The policy goes on to suggest fans should remain in the bleachers and concession areas and that students should, as well. Only if the elementary, intermediate, or junior high students are not following expectations, they could be asked to sit with their parents not only for the remainder of the game, but also the season.

It wasn’t uncommon to see young students all over at a football game and often unsupervised. The rule, while new to Peotone, is not new to many schools. Manteno has almost the exact same rules and recently Monee passed an ordinance stipulating no one under the age of 18 could attend a festival in town without an adult.

The rules aim to combat poor choices minors seem to make when their parents aren’t supervising.

Superintendent Brandon Owens said in a statement to The Vedette:

“The idea of having expectations for our students at home sporting events has been a continued conversation for years. Throughout this year though, we have been reviewing other schools’ policies, monitoring our home games, and discussing possible procedures. We are one of the few schools that do not have some form of expectations in place. Our decision to implement this is the result of the frequent occurrences of the following situations that have taken place over the years and continue this year:

  • An increase in K-8 students involved in horseplay and altercations during sporting events on school property
  • We have had situations in which K-8 students have been involved in altercations, disciplinary situations, or even injuries that have resulted in the administration needing to contact guardians who were not at the facilities. 
  • Administrators also have had to wait for parents to pick up unsupervised students after sporting events
  • Footballs and other items are at times thrown in or near walking paths and could result in others being hit. The expectation of not bringing footballs isn’t new. It has been a common practice of administrators to collect those when not being used properly. 

“As a district, we honor the tradition of Friday Night Lights and understand the importance of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities throughout the community. Our biggest concern is still the safety of our students and everyone else in attendance; we want to ensure our practices and expectations reflect supporting a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The expectations previously shared center around our K-8 students and are similar to those we would hope to see at any other extra-curricular event. I know there’s been some talk on social media that adults can’t stand by the fence and can only sit in the bleachers, but that’s not the case. We have no issue with that taking place. Our expectation is that younger students (K-8) be under the supervision of their parents/guardians for their safety and the safety of others while attending these sporting events.”