By Dave Ryan

CAMBRIDGE - An incident after a boys’ varsity basketball game at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School on Jan. 9 has led to changes in the schedule and how games may be viewed by spectators.

Following the game, a group of students and fans gathered around a North Caroline High School bus, with some individuals boarding the bus to confront one of the visiting players. Though violence was averted, the ugly scene has resulted in consequences and an investigation.

On Jan. 5, Dorchester County Public Schools had sent a reminder to all students and families regarding appropriate behavior and expectations for spectators and student-athletes, after disruptions during a game at North Dorchester High School, which had hosted C-SD.

A message Jan. 10 from C-SD’s Director of Student Services Kirk Howie said that day’s boys’ and girls’ basketball games would be postponed. He added, “Additionally, for the immediate future there will be no spectators at home games pending the result of the investigation. These issues may result in game schedules’ changes to possibly include alternate game start times and days.”

As word spread regarding the behavior, other schools in the region made changes.

On Jan. 10, Easton High School Principal Sherry Spurry said, regarding a game against C-SD set for Jan. 12, “Out of an abundance of caution due to a recent incident at an athletic event between Cambridge South Dorchester and another district, I have made the decision to limit the attendance for Thursday’s basketball games. The decision was made with the safety of the athletes as the priority.”

In a Jan. 13 statement to parents and the general public, Colonel Richardson High School Principal Nikki VonDenBosch said, “Due to recent events and out of an abundance of caution, I have made the decision to limit the attendance for Tuesday’s (Jan. 17) basketball games at CRHS. This decision was made with the safety of everyone as a priority. Each CRHS athlete will receive four tickets for their parents/guardians/family members to attend, and C-SD athletes will receive two tickets. Every person must have a spectator ticket to enter and then must purchase a ticket to enter the game. Student safety will remain the top priority at Colonel Richardson High School.”

A Jan. 13 email to parents from Mr. Howie said that while local schools would be in contact regarding specific changes, overall restrictions beginning the week of Jan. 16 and for the duration of the winter season are:

• There will be a maximum of four tickets per student athlete.
• Ticket requests will be provided to the athletes for adults over 21 and children under 12. There will be no admittance for young adults ages 13-20.
• The distributed ticket form must be presented at entry to purchase entrance to the event.
• Schools may restrict all spectators to specific events based on prior disruptions or safety concerns.
• Schools are working to provide a live stream or online method to view games and will distribute that information.
• Varsity events will occur as the first or earlier start, usually 4 p.m., followed by junior varsity. In the event of a needed triple header, the start time would be 3:30 p.m.
• Cheerleaders are included in the decision and will be afforded the same ticketing option.

Mr. Howie wrote, “DCPS regrets having to revert to such extreme actions, especially with the majority of our students and community displaying community and school pride and support in a respectful manner, but safety will remain at the forefront of school function and school activities for students, staff, and the community. We will continue to monitor and adjust safety protocols for events as needed presently and in the future.”