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SALEM The Salem Police Department issued a statement on Facebook on Wednesday, outlining that the Salem City Schools will "review and strengthen safety protocols for all athletic events."
The change was initiated as a "response to recent security threats both nationally and in the Mahoning Valley," according to the Facebook post from the City of Salem Ohio Police Department.
There have been several firearm-related incidents at schools within the Mahoning Valley, including one incident where a student was shot in the leg at a Cardinal Mooney High School football game taking place at Stambaugh Stadium at Youngstown State University on September 20, 2025.
As a result, new safety measures were implemented, and all attendees to football games at Stambaugh Stadium must now go through metal detectors.
New guidelines and protocols were shared by the Salem Athletic Department within the post from the Salem Police Department, with an effective date set for October 17, 2025.
Elementary students in kindergarten through the sixth grade who are attending Friday night varsity football games at Sebo Stadium must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, they are required to sit in the home stands throughout the evening.
Furthermore, it is outlined that junior high and high school students in the seventh grade through the twelfth grade must remain in the home stands or the student section located at the Reilly School end of Sebo Stadium.
Prohibited items are also listed, including:
Camera bags, diaper bags and purses are acceptable.
Students who are found in violation of these rules will be denied entry, according to the guidelines.
Related Coverage
Gun concerns, violence leads to changes for some Valley high school football games
Police report: Student shot in leg at Mooney football game
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