The remainder of the Whitley County elementary football season has been cancelled.
Whitley County Superintendent John Siler confirmed Wednesday that the remaining games of the season—which were scheduled for Thursday and Tuesday—will no longer be played. According to Siler, the decision to cancel the games is due to a number of reports of spectators at games making threats and creating a hostile atmosphere for others.
The conduct at some games has gotten bad enough that law enforcement was asked to be present at recent games.
Siler said that the district felt there was a very real possibility that something could happen and felt it was in the best interest of students and parents to forfeit the rest of the season.
“We always put the safety our students first, whether it’s in the classroom or the playing field. And, unfortunately, over the past couple of weeks several spectators’ behavior was not appropriate for our school setting. Those folks were asked not to return,” said Siler. “Then last night at one of our elementary football game, we had some more spectator behavior that created an environment that we do not want our young kids to be around.
“So, I met with some of the district athletic directors and spoke to a couple of the principals who have been at these games and they all voiced some concerns with some things that were going on. And it’s not everybody by any means, but we just felt like it was best to end the season now.”
As of now, the elementary girls basketball season will continue as planned and the elementary boys basketball season is still scheduled to start as normal in November.
Siler also noted that the district currently plans to move forward with elementary football next year, though it will still be contingent on spectator behavior.
