- Wake County Public School System
- High School Spectator Event Bag Rules
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High School Spectator Event Bag Rules
The safety of our students, staff, families and visitors to our school campuses is our district’s top priority. For this reason, the district is implementing rules regarding what bags attendees at WCPSS-sponsored high school events at WCPSS facilities may bring into an event.
Beginning March 1, schools will implement these rules to the degree it is feasible, depending on specific event circumstances and the facilities in which events are taking place. Note that initial implementation will begin March 1, but schools may utilize a brief transition period to fully implement the rules.
Bag Rules
Individuals attending WCPSS events may be subject to searches of their belongings or persons consistent with governing law and Board policies. Event entry may be dependent on the inspection of any items.
Permitted Bags
One clear bag no larger than 12" x 15" x 3".
In addition to one clear bag, event attendees may carry:
- A small, clear clutch bag/wristlet no larger than 4" x 6" x 1";
- Bags containing medically necessary items for that attendee's assistance (e.g., an oxygen tank); and
- Diaper bags.
Each attendee is permitted to bring the following loose items, as long as any compartments capable of storage are left open and are empty (e.g., coat pocket, zippered compartment, etc.), including:
- Coats;
- Blankets;
- Seat cushions not exceeding 18 inches wide;
- Soft baby carriers, slings, strollers; and
- Medically necessary equipment (e.g., oxygen tank with fabric casing, wheelchair, walker).
Bags NOT Permitted
No other bags are permitted. This includes but is not limited to: fabric backpacks, fanny packs, belt bags, purses, string bags, briefcases, roll bags, and duffle bags.
WCPSS schools and/or staff members are not responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen, or damaged.
District staff may amend the list of permitted and prohibited bags as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What will school staff do with bags that spectators are not permitted to bring into an event?
Schools may hold bags at the entrance or advise spectators to return the bag to their car.
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Do spectator bag rules apply to parents picking up a student at a school event?
No. Rules only apply to spectators attending events.
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Do these rules apply to all events held on WCPSS high school campuses?
No, this only applies to WCPSS spectator events on high school campuses. It does not, for example, apply to private events held on high school campuses in which facilities are rented through Community Use.
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Do these rules apply to student spectators?
Yes. Unless the student is a participant in that event (on the team or in the program), bag rules would apply to them.
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If school staff cannot see the contents of a clear bag, will they search the bag?
If there is concern for what is contained in a clear bag, staff can ask the spectator to open the non-clear bag contained in the clear bag. If the individual refuses to allow staff to see into it, they can be denied entry. There is a level of discretion in this process. If the bag is a medical or personal hygiene product, that bag would not need to be searched further.
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Will law enforcement officers be involved in screening bags at an event?
No, officers would not be involved unless someone had a weapon (i.e. a firearm) inside their clear bag that is visible to staff.
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Is it appropriate for a principal to apply these rules to community use events that include school teams or students?
For example, the track team is required to go through community use for the invitational meet, but it is clearly an event just like any track meet.
Yes, this example is the same as a WCPSS Track Meet, however it would only apply to events within the actual stadium. For example, if the track meet has a cross country component to it and students are running throughout the property or even off property and back onto the campus, and parents are seated at various places along the route, they would not be subject to the clear bag rules as they are not within the stadium area.
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What about theater performances, band concerts, etc?
High school spectator event bag rules should be enforced for these events if they are sponsored by the school and occur on campus.
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What about graduation, swim meets or other events not occurring on high school campuses?
High school spectator event bag rules do not apply to off-campus events. Spectators at these events should follow rules established at the facility in which the event takes place.
