By Jonathan Forney
Special to the AFRO
On Friday, Sept. 12, deputy chancellor at District of Columbia Public Schools, Drewana Bey, issued an updated policy for students, parents and spectators attending football games this school year.
The most significant policy change requires all students to be accompanied by a chaperone at games. Chaperones cannot bring more than three students.
The announcement cites “multiple instances of spectator conflict” as justification for the change. The memo says that DCPS schools and public safety partners will continue working with law enforcement at football games. It is uncertain if this will amount to more police officers present at games.
In addition to the chaperone requirement, visiting and home teams will be expected to create separate sections for their fans—even at schools with small bleachers. Schools are expected to coordinate with one another in advance direct spectators.
DCPS schools will be asked to reschedule games to start earlier, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., and move Friday games to Thursday or Saturday, when possible.
Schools will stop selling concessions after the end of the third quarter. Spectators are encouraged to get their refreshments earlier to compensate.
The policy update was posted to the D.C. State Athletic Association’s (DCSAA) Instagram and X accounts. At the time of this reporting, the policy had not made its way to the DCSAA website or Facebook pages. Neither post received any comments.
This updated policy will remain in effect until at least Oct. 10. The 2025-2026 regular football season continues until Oct. 30. Community members and parents with concerns about the new policies are encouraged to contact their child’s school or the DCPS athletic department.