Here's what Pickerington students need to know to attend football games

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Pickerington students attending Friday's homecoming games for high school football might be denied entrance if they do not follow the district's updated attendance policies.

Pickerington Local School District announced new attendance policies a few games into this football seasons for Pickerington North and Pickerington Central high schools. The regulations require students to present their school IDs to get into events and state that students in eighth grade or younger need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

District communications director Jacqueline Bryant said the changes were implemented to improve safety for attendees.

"We have noticed several unsupervised younger students at recent games," Bryant said. "In response, we have enhanced our event protocols to ensure the well-being of all attendees."

In an announcement from the district's safety and security department, it explained presenting a valid school ID will ensure only current students attend. The policy raised questions online among parents about whether students' friends from other schools can still cheer on the teams.

Bryant said visiting students must present their own school IDs and adhere to district policies. This includes ensuring students in grades K-8 have a supervising adult, a restriction that extends to junior high football players and cheerleaders, even when in uniform.

"These guidelines, including presenting a valid school ID upon entry, are in place to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone attending," Bryant said. "Verifying student status helps us ensure accountability."

Bryant said the policy is focused on football games for now because of their high attendance rates, but the policies could extend to other events. The policies announced at the beginning of the year still stand, including closing the stadium to fans 15 minutes after a game ends.

Pickerington North takes on Central Crossing this Friday, and Pickerington Central meets Newark. Both games kick off at 7 p.m.