Policies
Discipline Guidelines
Atlanta Public Schools Athletic Events
Attending athletic events has long been a privilege for our students and their families. We are extremely pleased to observe the demonstration of school pride and support of our student-athletes during their various sporting events at Atlanta Public Schools athletic facilities.
The purpose of the discipline policy is to ensure that all students, parents, employees and visitors enjoy a safe, respectful and positive environment at APS athletic events. Because stadiums are an extension of the school campus, all rules established in the code of conduct will be strictly enforced. Effective immediately, any student in violation of the following:
- Fighting
- Threats
- Drugs
- Weapons
- Trespassing
- Failure to comply with directives from stadium staff or APSPD
Refusal to comply will result in:
- Immediate removal from APS property by APSPD
- Suspension from future athletic events
- School disciplinary action (if applicable)
- Possible criminal charges (if applicable)
Remember: The stadium and parking lots are an extension of the school campus, all rules established in the code of conduct will be strictly enforced. Cheer loud, cheer proud and cheer respectfully while representing your school community with pride! Our sincere desire is to ensure that all APS stadiums and parking lots remain safe and family-friendly environments.
Henderson and Lakewood Stadiums
The following procedures have been put in place to ensure the safety of coaches, fans, and all student-athletes. Please take a moment to read and adhere to the following:
- PARKING - Fans are encouraged to park and sit on their team’s designated side of the stadium. This helps tremendously with crowd control, safety, and crowd management.
- CHEERLEADERS - Please be advised that on game days, cheer squads are only allowed to have two people on the track in addition to the active cheerleaders. No other members of the cheer squad will be allowed on the track if they are not in uniform. Only active squads are allowed on the track. All other spectators, students, managers/trainers, must be seated in the stands. There are to be NO alumni or MS cheer groups participating at any time. This is against GHSA Policy.
- SIDELINE PARTICIPATION - Please note, due to liability policies, only CURRENT coaches, players, trainers/managers, administrators of the schools participating, doctors and press are allowed on the sidelines. Any other players that are not dressed must be easily identified in jerseys/school paraphernalia. All other spectators are to remain in the stands. This is mandated, per Georgia High School Association. Family and friends of coaches and administrators are not allowed on the field of play at any time. There are not to be any parents or parent volunteers on the sidelines for any reason, at any time. Any exceptions will have to be approved by Senior APS Leadership. WRISTBANDS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL.
- POST-GAME - Teams WILL NOT be allowed to assemble in groups for post-game speeches. We ask that this take place either on the buses, locker rooms, or at their perspective facilities upon arrival back to their schools. Spectators WILL NOT be allowed to enter the playing field at the conclusion of the game. This again, ensures the safety and security of our student-athletes and coaches.
- DOUBLEHEADERS - When two scheduled games are to be played back-to-back, teams participating in the first game should remove all belongs from the locker room during halftime and place them in the designated area immediately behind the bench. This will allow for the locker room to be sanitized and cleaned in preparation for the teams competing in the second game.
- HOME/VISITOR SIDE ACCESS - Spectators WILL NOT be allowed to cross the field/track and move from home/visitor grandstands. Atlanta Public Schools Police Department will aid and assist in ensuring this will be enforced.
- NO TAILGATING - Tailgating is NOT allowed on Lakewood or Henderson Stadium property.
Clear Bag Policy
Clear Bag Procedure for Sporting Events
The initiative is designed to provide a safer, more efficient entry experience for spectators.
To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into Atlanta Public Schools Athletic venues, the APS Office of Safety and Security will implement an Operational Clear Bag Procedure that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into stadiums, gymnasiums, and other athletic fields.
Prohibited items include but are not limited to coolers, briefcases, non-clear backpacks, non-clear fanny packs, grocery bags, cinch bags, non-approved chairbacks and seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Spectators will be able to carry the following style and size bag at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:
- Tote bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags with or without a handle or strap, no larger than approximately the size of a hand), can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
- Diapers and wipes may be carried in a permissible 12”x6”x12” clear bag (diaper bags are not permitted).
Metal detector screening and a search of all items being carried in may take place at all APS Athletic Venues. There are no provisions available to store or safeguard any prohibited bags.
An exception will be made for medically necessary items or baby items after proper inspection at a gate by the respective gate supervisor.
Non-approved chairbacks/seat cushions include large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers.
Outside food or drinks (water, soda, etc.) are not allowed in the stadium.
Approved Bags
Clear Bag Procedure for Sporting Events:
Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and have a maximum of one logo imprint not exceeding 4.5 inches tall by 3.4 inches wide.
The only non-clear bags permitted are small bag (with or without a strap) no larger than the size of a hand.
Exceptions to the clear bag policy will be made for credentialed media and those with necessary medical items after proper inspection at designated areas,
Approved bags:
- Clear Backpack
- Clear Fanny Pack
- Clear Purse
- Clear Cross Body
- Clear Drawstring Bag
- 1-Gallon Freezer Bag
Non Approved Bags
Clear Bag Procedure FAQ
Clear Bag Procedure FAQ
- Why has this bag procedure been adopted?
- Are other venues limiting bags or doing enhanced screening?
- How does the new Clear Bag Procedure improve public safety?
- How does this make it more convenient for fans?
- How many bags can each person bring into the stadium?
- Can fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
- Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the stadium?
- What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
- If I have special medical equipment, I need to have with me at all times, where do I put that?
- Are all purses prohibited?
- What about diaper bags?
- What can guests expect at the gates or entrances to APS athletic venues?
- Does this mean it’s going to take longer to enter the Athletic Venues?
- What can I do to help get into the stadium quickly?
- Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into the permissible bags?
Why has this bag procedure been adopted?
Public safety and stadium security procedures are reviewed each year as we look for ways to improve them. These proactive measures are meant to enhance safety inside the stadium and speed the security screening process for all fans to ensure an enjoyable experience as we strive for a safe and secure environment.
Are other venues limiting bags or doing enhanced screening?
How does the new Clear Bag Procedure improve public safety?
How does this make it more convenient for fans?
This will enable us to move fans through our security check points much faster. A standard-sized bag eliminates the need for bag templates to check bag sizes. It will allow stadium staff to be more efficient and effective in checking bags that are brought into the stadium. Fans will also enjoy an improved sense of safety.
How many bags can each person bring into the stadium?
Each ticket holder can bring in one large clear bag, either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or a 12” by 6″ by 12″ clear bag, plus a small clutch. The larger clear bag must be a standard 12″ by 6″ by 12″ bag made of clear PVC vinyl and is easily searched. The one-gallon Ziploc style bag is readily available, inexpensive, and easily searched for. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is easily searched.
Can fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes. Binoculars, a phone, or approved cameras can be carried into the stadium so long as it is not in its own bag. This is not a further restriction on items that fans are able to bring into the stadium. It is only a restriction on the type of container used to carry approved items.
Is there a list of permitted and prohibited items?
The following ARE PERMITTED:
- Bags that comply with the Clear Bag Policy Procedure (see Bag Diagram)
- Binoculars shorter than 6 inches (case prohibited)
- Blankets
- Cameras with 3-inch lenses or shorter (no lights, tripods, selfie-sticks or monopods)
- Diapers and wipes may be carried in a permissible 12”x 6”x12” clear bag (diaper bags are not permitted)
- Flags smaller than 2’ x 3’ (No Poles)
- Seat cushions. (Except those non-approved chair backs/seat cushions include large traditional seat cushions that have pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers)
- Strollers
- Sunscreen & hand-powered misters
- Umbrellas (no obstruction of other fans view)
The following ARE PROHIBITED:
- Aerosol cans
- Alcoholic beverages
- Backpacks
- Bags that violate the Bag Procedure (see Bag Procedure above)
- Cameras with lenses larger than 3-inches (lights, tripods, selfie-sticks and monopods are also prohibited)
- Cans, glass bottles or alcoholic beverages
- Drugs & Drug paraphernalia, marijuana & marijuana products
- Coolers (including soft-sided coolers)
- Water bottles
- Reusable water bottles
- Glow sticks, light-up costumes, light-up signs, battery packs
- Intoxication or signs of impairment related to alcohol or drugs
- Irresponsible drinking or behavior
- Klaxons, bullhorns, whistles, or any other noisemakers
- Laptops and Laptop Bags
- Laser pointers of any type
- Offensive clothing
- Projectiles (footballs, Frisbees, etc.)
- Selfie Sticks
- Signs, banners or poles
- UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)
- Weapons of any kind (including silverware).

Are seat cushions allowed to be carried into the stadium?
What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
If I have special medical equipment, I need to have with me at all times, where do I put that?
Are all purses prohibited?
What about diaper bags?
What can guests expect at the gates or entrances to APS athletic venues?
Does this mean it’s going to take longer to enter the Athletic Venues?
Atlanta Public Schools is making every effort to ensure that this security enhancement doesn’t slow down the process of getting into the game.
Initially, as with any new process, fans may experience longer wait times.
We will have extra staff on duty to help facilitate the quickest entry possible. We encourage fans to arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior than normal to mitigate wait times.
What can I do to help get into the stadium quickly?
Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into the permissible bags?
No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the venue, not items that you normally bring to a game. Therefore, you can carry items in your pockets or jacket (such as keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc.) if you choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch. And you can carry a blanket over your arms, and binoculars and/or camera around your neck or in your hands without the case. You can use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items. You will continue to have the flexibility to bring a wide variety of approved items into the venue. Every member of your family may carry one permissible bag.

