Friday night frights leads to changes for some Valley high schoo - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

After a recent rise in violence and gun issues at local and regional high school football games, some local districts are making changes for the safety of students, the players and visitors to the game.

New safety measures were announced following last Friday's gun discharge at the Cardinal Mooney game at the Youngstown State University football stadium. These measures include that everyone entering the stadium must go through metal detectors. 

This comes on the heels of two regional incidents in Ravenna and Twinsburg, as well as other incidents around the US.

In late August, police investigated gunfire outside of a football game in Ravenna in Portage County, where six to eight rounds were fired, leading to the evacuation of the stadium.

In Summit County this week, a gun was found inside a boys' bathroom at Twinsburg High School ahead of a big rivalry game set there tonight. The school is increasing its police presence for tonight's big rivalry game against Hudson.

This follows a shooting of a 19-year-old man in Baltimore last week during a high school football game, two people were wounded by gunfire at a North Carolina game two weeks ago, and a shooting in Kentucky, where a 14-year-old suspect allegedly shot an 18-year-old earlier this season. 

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, which tracks shootings at schools in the US, there have been 42 school shooting incidents at sporting events out of the 300 most recent incidents, with only dismissal time having more shootings.

The database also notes that in recent incidents, most of the shots fired have taken place in the parking lot, followed by in front of the school, then beside the school, and near or at the football field comes in fourth. 

Ohio comes in sixth for the most shots fired at a school out of the 300 recent events, and Pennsylvania tied with Georgia for seventh. Texas and New York have the most recent school shootings, and most happen at high schools within the district.

Citizens possessing a firearm in a school safety zone violate Ohio and Pennsylvania law.

21 News has reached out to schools in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Mercer counties to see if districts have implemented any new policies in light of recent events.

Here are the responses we have received from districts. Districts not listed have not responded to our request for a statement on safety policy and changes, and will be added once a response is received. 

NEW DISTRICT CHANGES

Cardinal Mooney: 21 News reported on Tuesday that metal detectors will be used to enhance security at tonight's game against Boardman at Stambaugh Stadium on the YSU campus. YSU made this change and will be used for any team that rents the stadium for games. Additional changes put in place include no reentry and an increased police presence.

The school also posted a notification on its Facebook page reminding all that disruptive conduct or abusive language directed at fans, student-athletes, coaches, or officials will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from the stadium. Throwing objects onto the field or into the stands is strictly prohibited. Also, sitting on the walls is not permitted at the stadium.

Struthers: Beginning this week, students are prohibited from bringing backpacks into football games, according to district Superintendent Pete Pirone.

West Branch: Has increased the number of police officers at home games from four to six and is implementing a rule that prohibits students from going to the visitor side of the stadium, which will take effect beginning with the October 10 game.

OTHER DISTRICT SAFETY POLICIES

Districts' responses regarding their safety policies:

Boardman: Athletic director Jeff Hammerton told 21 News the district has had discussions on safety and is continuing to monitor the situation. The district has improved lighting around the stadium, and sixth-grade students are required to be accompanied by an adult to attend athletic events, while seventh through twelfth-grade students must be seated in the student section. The district doesn't allow students to congregate in restrooms, near tennis courts, the concession stand, behind the stadium, or underneath the bleachers.

Poland: Said safety is the highest priority, with at least 8 to 12 officers assigned to designated posts at home games. Students in fourth through eighth grade, without adult supervision, are required to sit in sections 1 or 2. 

"We continuously monitor our procedures and adjust staffing based on anticipated crowd size or event-specific needs, but at this time, we believe our long-standing approach has proven effective in ensuring safety without additional policy changes," said Brian Banfield, Athletic Administrator.

The district also uses video surveillance and license plate readers, including at the football stadium. 

Springfield Local: Has three officers on duty for each game and has not seen an increase in bad behavior or any safety-related issues. The district does not allow students to attend football games for free, so most attend with a parent or an adult.

Lakeview (Trumbull): Has adequate security and administration in place to address any potential concerns at home football games and other sporting events, the AD said.

United: Said its district safety policies are working, but always reviewing and making changes as needed. 

McDonald stated that they are not looking to make any changes at this time, noting that if any changes to safety protocols are needed in the future, the district will work in conjunction with the village police.

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there have been 178 shootings listed taking place on or near the football/track area and 37 fatalities at schools in the US.