High School officials meet to discuss sporting events security | News

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM)- The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at USM held a conference Friday on the threats and risks involved in securing a high school facility during sporting events.

The goal of the session was to work toward developing a first of its kind educational and certification program for key personnel in the schools. The certification process would allow for these key people to train others in the school on how to keep the campus safe.

Although a security plan is available for Pro and college sporting events, a new plan needs to be devised at the high school level because of the different challenges they have.

"Were not necessarily talking about terrorism, but just homegrown, local violence," said Elliott Hopkins, Director of Educational Services for the National Federation of State High School Associations. "Some fans are angry at the other schools fans, some parents are mad at coaches. It's a laundry list of certain things that we need to be prepared for and no how to deal with when they come up."

The meeting was attended by school superintendents, principals, and athletic directors from four school districts in South Mississippi.

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