High school sets new policy after principal says kids spit on rival’s band members

DECATUR, Ga. — Sportsmanship is a word many describe as being supportive, positive and respecting the other team.

While players on the field may have been in the zone, some fans in the stands were tackling each other at one high school’s football game.

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A letter was sent out to members of Decatur High School from Principal Rochelle Lofstrand expressing her disappointment in students’ behavior at the past home game.

Decatur played against Flowery Branch on Friday.

Lofstrand said in the letter that kids in the “student section” were spitting on the rival’s band, pulling feathers from their hats and making sexual comments about the opponents’ majorettes.

She also said people were drinking alcohol, fighting and property was ruined.

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Because of the behavior the district put new policies in place, that include:

• Capacity of the bleachers limited to the maximum capacity deemed appropriate by the manufacturers.
• Students will only be allowed to sit, not stand, on the bleachers.
• Closer supervision of students by game staff.
• Zero-tolerance policy for disrespectful or vulgar language or gestures at the opposing team and/or referees; or any unsportsmanlike behavior.
• No bags will be allowed in the stadium.

Decatur High School’s code of conduct says students on school property are not to have alcohol or drugs in their possession. Fighting and weapons will also not be tolerated.

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Lofstrand noted that if anyone doesn’t abide by the new changes, it will result in immediate expulsion from the game and possible expulsion from all athletic events for the remainder of the school year.

“We can and will do better because we are Decatur Bulldogs and we are part of the PACK — purposeful, accountable, connected and kind,” Lofstrand said.

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