On Aug. 1, new rules, including a clear bag policy, were rolled out at Houston ISD athletic facilities, according to a news release from the district.
What’s new?
Spectators of University Interscholastic League sporting events at HISD athletic facilities are now required to carry belongings in one clear bag or backpack per person, according to HISD’s July 2 news release. The bag can be no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. According to the release, other bags allowed under the new policy include:
- Clear fanny packs, small clutches or purses no bigger than 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches
- Clear diaper bags of any size
- Clear gallon-size plastic bags
- Non-clear medically necessary bags
“The objective is for fans to come out and truly enjoy the game experience and not have to worry about safety or supervision,” said Andre' Walker, HISD executive director of athletics, via the news release.
Plastic grocery sacks are not permitted, but attendees can still bring stadium seats, blankets, small umbrellas and items in pockets or binoculars worn around the neck, according to the news release. Clear bags and medical bags will still be scanned and inspected before entry.
What parents should know
Another new policy for these events is that minors will need a school ID, or a picture of it, and must be accompanied by an adult to enter HISD athletic facilities, according to the news release. HISD high schoolers and competing student athletes are not required to be accompanied by an adult. However, one adult can supervise multiple minors, under the new policy.
The details
Non-UIL events, such as club sports, are not “automatically” subject to HISD’s new policies, and campuses can opt to adopt the rules, per the release.
More information on the athletic facility policies is available here, by calling the HISD Athletics office at 713-556-6913, or by contacting individual campuses where the event is being hosted.
