A 10-step guide to help manage fan behavior at athletic contests with a focus on safety and security.

Consistent implementation and a focus on positive engagement can go a long way in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone attending the athletic contests.

1. Pre-Event Communication: Send out clear guidelines for expected behavior to fans, emphasizing respect, sportsmanship, and safety. This can be done through emails, social media posts, and announcements.
2. Visible Signage: Place visible signage throughout the venue, outlining behavior expectations, codes of conduct, sportsmanship, safety policies and consequences for violations.
3. Security Personnel: Work with security to inform them about key points in the venue to monitor crowd behavior to promptly address any issues. Alert them of high-attendance events that they may need to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to ensure their presence or assistance, if needed.
4. Ticket Sales and Entry: Ensure proper ticketing procedures are in place to control the crowd size. Staff at entry points should greet fans and remind them of the conduct guidelines.  Adhere to bag check policy and procedures.
5. Concessions Management: Monitor concessions areas to prevent overindulgence. Consider closing concessions 30 to 45 minutes prior to the end of the contest to reduce congestion upon leaving the venue.
6. Internal Communications: Establish clear communication channels among staff, security, and event organizers to quickly address any disruptions or incidents. Establish a range of communication channels to ensure effective information flow, including walkie-talkies, two-way radios, phone lines, text messaging, and intercom systems.
7. Crowd Control Measures: Implement barriers, ropes, or lines to direct the flow of fans and prevent overcrowding in specific areas. This can help minimize the chances of confrontations.
8. Administration and Event Staff: Identify potential issues and intervene early. Place staff in strategic locations around the venue. Their friendly presence can help defuse tense situations before they escalate. Educate event staff on how to proactively identify and address issues, assist attendees, and provide directions.
9. Public Address Announcements: Use the public address system to remind fans about behavior expectations and any safety updates throughout the event.
10. Incident Response Protocol: Develop a comprehensive incident response protocol, including guidelines for handling disruptive behavior, ejections, including evacuation procedures and potential emergencies.

After each event, conduct a thorough assessment with staff, security, and/or event partners to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes for future events. By implementing these steps, you are well on your way to creating a comprehensive plan that addresses various aspects of fan behavior management, safety, and security at athletic contests.

Memphis Shelby County Schools offers free health screenings for Pre-K, K, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th grades. Screenings consist of vision, hearing, blood pressure, height, weight, and scoliosis. Health Screenings begin Monday, Aug. 21st. Please ensure “Opt-Out” forms have gone home. We are also encouraging you to send text messaging, robo calls, and include on your school’s website calendar. Please help us get the word out for this needed service. See calendar for your school dates of elementary and K-8th schools. For more information, please call Health Promotions at 416-6432. Check out our screening video to see what to expect in ENG: https://youtu.be/A4wbLuXB4wI  and SPA: https://youtu.be/Hgsfj9AL-vI

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Methodist LeBonheur Community Care Associates is partnering with Memphis Shelby County Schools to provide convenient non-emergent health care for staff and dependents. Please visit our website at Health Promotions (scsk12.org) or you may call 416-6709 for an appointment. See flyer for available locations and additional details. For more information, please call 416-6432.

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Need immunizations, sports and annual physicals, or not feeling well?  See flyer for details. For an appointment please call 842-2379 or you may text “SCS901” to 91999. Please note for all text, it will take 24-48 hours to a return your phone call to set up and appointment. Clinics are open from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. For more information, please call Health Promotions at 416-6432.