New Security Measures for School Football in Washington

Washington D.C., October 16, 2025

News Summary

Washington D.C. has introduced new security measures for high school football games to enhance safety for students and spectators amid rising violence. Starting September 12, students must be accompanied by adults, with maximum attendance limits. Game times will be earlier, and home and away fans will have separate seating. A strict no-reentry policy is in place, and an increased police presence aims to maintain order. These changes are a response to a recent melee at Coolidge High School and will be evaluated through October.

Washington D.C. has implemented new security measures for high school football games starting September 12, 2025, aimed at ensuring the safety of students and spectators in response to recent incidents of violence. The decision comes after a significant altercation following a game at Coolidge High School, which Mayor Muriel Bowser described as a “melee.” The goal of these new policies is to maintain a safe environment for school spirit and competition, while also addressing community concerns regarding safety at school events.

Under the new measures, all students attending high school football games must now be accompanied by an adult. Each adult is allowed to bring a maximum of three students. This policy aims to enhance supervision and accountability at events. Furthermore, game start times have been moved earlier in the day to reduce the potential for incidents occurring after dark.

Another significant change is the separation of home and away fan seating sections during games. This measure is intended to promote safety and minimize potential conflicts between rival school supporters. Additionally, a strict no-reentry policy has been instituted. Once attendees leave the stadium, they cannot return, which is expected to help control crowds and maintain order.

To reinforce these security measures, the Metropolitan Police Department has increased its presence at games, monitoring entrances and the crowd within the venues. These changes will remain in effect at least until October 10, 2025, with the possibility of extension based on their effectiveness in preventing incidents.

D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) has communicated these changes to students, parents, and staff, emphasizing the shared responsibility for safety during school-related events. As a result of the new policies, ticket purchases must now be made in advance, as walk-up sales are no longer permitted. Metal detectors will be installed at entrances, and there will be a larger police presence during games to enhance security.

At Bowie High School, officials have started using a megaphone to remind attendees of the new requirements before entering the stadium. However, some community members have raised concerns regarding accessibility for students whose guardians may not be able to attend games due to personal commitments. To address this, events at some schools are being rescheduled to Saturdays to facilitate better oversight and security management.

Reactions to the new policies have been mixed. While some parents and students are supportive of the measures, believing they will help create a safer atmosphere at games, others express concern that the changes could diminish attendance and the traditional high school experience. Officials remain optimistic that these security enhancements will allow school spirit and competition to thrive without incidents of violence overshadowing events.

Key Features of New Security Measures

• Students must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of three students per adult.
• Game start times have been moved earlier to reduce nighttime incidents.
• Home and away fans have separated seating sections.
• No reentry policy established for attendees leaving the stadium.
• Increased police presence at games, including monitoring of entrances and crowds.
• Advance ticket purchases required; no walk-up sales allowed.
• Metal detectors at entrances for enhanced security.

Impact and Future Outlook

These measures have been enacted as a proactive response to a concerning trend of violence at D.C. high school events. The authorities aim to create a safe environment where students can enjoy the excitement of high school football games while reducing the risks associated with large gatherings.