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Date: 9/13/2023
CHICOPEE — In response to a violent altercation at last year’s Thanksgiving football game, Chicopee Public Schools have initiated stricter fan protocols to ensure the safety of both student-athletes and spectators.
Last November, a fight broke out between Emmanuel Nives and Anthony Rodriguez during the annual rivalry game between Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School. The incident led to both men’s arrests on charges of assault and battery.
Nives faced an additional charge for possessing a loaded and unregistered firearm on school property, discovered during the altercation. Sean Mackin, the coordinator of athletics for both schools, called the incident a turning point.
“We had hundreds of people there on a beautiful Thanksgiving Day. The game was competitive and enjoyable. Yet, three minutes before its end, everything changed,” Mackin said. “I love the city of Chicopee and my job. Our main goal is to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Since the winter, the schools have been implementing the new protocols, which Mackin stated “aren’t entirely new” but are “a bit stricter now.” The changes include potential screenings with metal detectors or wands and the introduction of electronic ticketing for football, girls’ soccer, and boys’ soccer events.
Furthermore, children in eighth grade or younger must be accompanied by an adult to enter. “We’ve had a couple of instances where we had to turn away unaccompanied students,” Mackin added, “but overall, the response has been positive.”
As an additional measure, Chicopee schools are increasing crowd support personnel at events. The schools have also hung banners promoting positive sportsmanship in their gymnasiums, proclaiming, “Fans should be loud, proud and always positive.”
While the protocols have been in place since last winter, Mackin emphasized that they will continue to evolve. “We’re adapting constantly,” he said. “I just met with one of our site managers about improving our check-ins. We always aim to make this experience better.”
The athletic department has also contacted middle school principals to share the protocols with parents and students.
Mackin emphasized the school district’s commitment to positive experiences at athletic events. “When I started here seven years ago, I told coaches to speak to their teams as if my two daughters were seated right behind them,” he said.
Chicopee Public Schools has also communicated these changes to other local districts and opponents to keep them informed about the electronic ticketing protocol. The new safety measures affirm the district’s commitment that athletic events remain enjoyable while prioritizing the safety of students and spectators.
Mackin concluded, “There’s a solid purpose behind what we’re doing. We’re always open to feedback and looking for ways to improve, but safety remains our top priority.”