Purpose

To improve safety and screening efficiency at high attendance ticketed athletic events, BCSS will implement a Clear Bag Policy for all varsity high school football and basketball games beginning with the 2026 fall sports season.

Scope

The policy applies to all regular season, region, and playoff varsity football games and varsity boys and girls basketball games hosted at BCSS high school stadiums and gymnasiums. It also applies to BCSS home contests at neutral or shared sites when BCSS is the host. JV and sub varsity contests will follow the same standard when held at the same primary venue on the same night as the varsity event. Middle school athletic events and non-athletic facility rentals are not in scope for the initial rollout, with the option to extend later.

Permitted bags

Any bag carried into the venue must be transparent. Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags are permitted in tote, sling, drawstring, or one-gallon storage bag form. Printing or logos may not obscure the contents. In addition to or in place of a clear bag, each guest may carry a small hand-held bag not to exceed 5’’ by 7’’. These are the only non-clear bags allowed inside the venue.

Although a permitted bag does not have to be opened, gate staff retain discretion to ask any guest to open a pocket or compartment for visual inspection. Fans carrying larger clear bags or clear backpacks with multiple compartments should plan to arrive earlier, as those bags are more likely to be inspected.

Prohibited bags and items

Any non-transparent bag larger than a hand-sized clutch is prohibited. This includes traditional purses, fanny packs, oversized handbags, backpacks, computer bags, camera cases, binocular cases, and coolers, regardless of material. Mesh and tinted bags are not considered transparent and are prohibited. Weapons of any kind, alcohol, outside food and beverage where prohibited by facility rules, noisemakers, and any item already prohibited by GHSA rules or the BCSS student code of conduct remain prohibited regardless of bag type.

Exceptions

Three categories of exception apply. Medically necessary items, including insulin and diabetic supplies, oxygen, prescription medications, or other reasonable medical requirements may be carried in a non-clear bag after inspection. The person requiring the supplies must remain with the bag. Diaper bags accompanying an infant or toddler may be carried in a non-clear bag after inspection. Credentialed media, working game officials, law enforcement, EMS, coaches, and contracted athletic staff carrying job-essential equipment are exempt while performing duties,

with bags subject to administrative inspection at the AD's discretion. Approved exceptions do not extend to friends or family members of the credentialed individual.