Concerns Grow Over Safety at High School Football Games in Connecticut Cities

In recent weeks, cities across Connecticut have seen a rise in incidents at high school football games, forcing school officials to reconsider safety measures. In Norwich, a student was arrested after posting a threat to open fire during a game at Norwich Free Academy. This alarming situation caused an evacuation during a closely contested match against Fairfield Warde, which ended with NFA winning 33-32.

Meanwhile, in Waterbury, a Friday night game between Derby High School and Wilby High School was cut short due to fights among spectators, leading to six arrests. The game was stopped in the third quarter with Derby leading 41-14. In response to the chaos, local athletic directors are contemplating moving future games at Municipal Stadium to daytime hours, with discussions ongoing about shifting some events to Saturday mornings and afternoons.

To the east in New London, the match between New London High School and Thames River was halted at halftime due to fighting, resulting in the arrest of one juvenile. The game was later completed at a different venue, Grasso Tech in Groton.

CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini expressed concern over an increase in threats at school events and noted that this issue is happening across the country, not just in Connecticut. This worrying trend was evident as several games were called off or rescheduled in recent weeks due to online threats.

NFA’s director of communications, Michael O’Farrell, explained the atmosphere before the evacuation, describing it as festive with a band and cheerleaders present. Even though the evacuation caused disappointment, everyone acted quickly and responsibly, which minimized panic.

As safety remains the top priority, schools are leaning on their strong relationships with local police departments to handle situations more effectively. Coaches and athletic directors are hopeful that changes such as moving games to earlier times will help reduce incidents and offer a safer environment for fans and players alike.

Coach Jeremy Clark of Derby expressed his frustration over the incidents, noting that it overshadowed the hard work and achievements of the players. He emphasized the need for a community solution to ensure that the fun and excitement of high school football games can continue without the dark cloud of violence.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that maintaining safety at high school games in Connecticut is becoming increasingly challenging, prompting officials, parents, and fans to come together to formulate solutions that will keep the spirit of the game alive.