Spectators at Albuquerque Public Schools’ athletics events will need to rethink their accessories, due to a new district policy.
Starting with the season-opening contests, only clear bags will be allowed inside, the district announced.
“We believe our first duty to students, parents and the community at an athletic contest is to provide a safe environment for all,” district Superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey said in a news release. “While it’s an adjustment, many other school districts, universities and professional athletics events employ clear-bag policies. I know the APS family will embrace this.”
The policy will apply to all APS athletics venues, including middle and high school stadiums, campus fields and gyms. Non-sports events at those sites also will be affected.
Notification of the policy will be posted at venue entrances, and district personnel on site will also advise spectators of the new rules.
The policy applies not only to handbags and clutch purses: diaper bags also must be clear. If a bag is turned away, it will need to be returned to a guest’s vehicle, the release states.
The new policy does not apply to participating athletes who have district-issued team bags .
Each spectator may bring one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag; a one-gallon clear plastic zipper-style freezer bag would also be permitted.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses that are not clear, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, drawstring bags, computer bags or luggage of any kind.
Cameras and binoculars are still allowed.
The release lists concerts, Albuquerque Isotopes and New Mexico United games and University of New Mexico athletics competitions as events with longstanding clear-bag policies.
APS will continue to communicate the new policy to students, parents and families throughout the week as the football and volleyball seasons near.