Rutherford County Schools allowing only clear bags at athletic events

Before you go to a sporting event in Rutherford County, there are some new guidelines you need to know before you enter a facility.

In an attempt to increase safety during athletic events and other extracurricular activities, Rutherford County Schools has implemented new rules that spectators must follow.

The biggest of those will involve what you carry into the event. Only clear tote bags will be allowed, with purses, bags, etc. that don't clearly show contents inside prohibited.

"These changes have been put in place to make our extracurricular events more secure, and clear bags have become common at other large events, such as professional sporting events, concerts, etc.," Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans said.

Spectators are strongly urged not to bring bags into events, but here's what you need to know if you do:

"The bag policy is just another step in keeping our community families and visiting fans safe at Rutherford County events," said Siegel athletic director and RCS safety coach Greg Wyant. "We want people to feel safe at our athletic events and parents to know we care about safety within our stadiums and gyms.

"It's a shame we feel the need to do these preventative measures to keep people safe at athletic events, but in today's society you have to be proactive."

In order to monitor the clear bag policy, schools will likely have to add more personnel at gates and entrances into events.

"We're still working through that process," Oakland principal John Marshall said. "But it will definitely take a couple of more individuals to assist with the process. The (school) district will be working along with schools to send out messages to the community and parents to let them know ahead of time and try to educate our fans on the changes well before football starts."

Marshall said schools would also have a significant amount of signage around entrances to inform spectators of the new rules.

Those who violate the above policies will be not be admitted into the event and could be removed and/or banned from attending events.

Other policies to know include:

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"We felt we could make changes that could add an additional layer of improved security, consistent with what you see at collegiate and pro events," Marshall said.