Bag Procedures for 2026-2027 School Year

Hernando County School District Bag Restrictions at Athletic Events 
• Backpacks, bags, and large purses are prohibited at all on-site HCSD
school sporting events starting in the 2026-2027 School Year
• Small, clutch-type purses are permissible as long as they 
are no larger than 4.5” by 6.5”. These purses will be 
subject to search.

• Coolers of any type are prohibited.
• Binoculars or cameras will be allowed into games if carried by hand. Bags designed specifically to carry those items are prohibited.
• Blankets are allowed during cold weather but should not be placed in a bag.
• Those who show up to the game with unapproved bags or items will be refused entry until the prohibited items are returned to a vehicle. Prohibited bags cannot be left at the gate or unattended on campus.
• There will be exceptions for bags required for medical needs, diaper bags, pre-approved members of the media covering the game, and student athletes participating in the game. All bags are subject to inspection.

Thank you for your continued support and efforts to help keep our campuses safe.

 

Parents/Guardians and Fans,

As we kick off another successful school year of Hernando School District Athletics, I wanted to remind everyone about the district’s spectator expectations and protocols. When followed, these expectations and protocols enhance the interscholastic experience for our students and ensures the safest environment for our student-athletes, coaches, referees, and our parents/guardians and fans.

• Good sportsmanship is always the expectation for all spectators. Repetitive and/or egregious unsportsmanlike behavior can result in the stoppage of a contest. This behavior can and will result in the spectator(s) being removed from the event with the potential for the spectator(s) to be issued a trespass warning.

• NO spectators are allowed into the locker room or competition areas. Spectators are prohibited from entering the playing surface before, during or after a game. Those who violate the rule will be removed and may be issued a trespass warning.

• “Storming” the playing surface creates a dangerous situation for our student-athletes and coaches. The FHSAA will also fine schools for such behaviors. “Storming” of the playing surface at any time is prohibited.

• Parents, fans, or spectators are not to confront a coach before, during or immediately after a contest or practice. Follow the “24 Hour Rule” and allow time to gather information and most importantly, for cooler heads to prevail. If there is an issue that needs to be addressed, please schedule an appointment with the coach the next day.

• Spectators will have a maximum of 15 minutes following the conclusion of the contest to vacate the facility. An additional 15 minutes (for a total of 30 minutes after the conclusion of the contest) will be allotted for spectators to get transportation home. If obtaining transportation in a timely manner is a continuous problem, said spectators may not be allowed to attend after school games or competitions.

We appreciate your attention and cooperation with these spectator expectations and protocols. Our goal is always to provide the absolute best and safest experience possible for our student-athletes, coaches and fans, and with your help, we can achieve that.

Thank you for your continued support of the more than 3,900 student-athletes and 250 coaches here in the Hernando School District.

Dustin T. Kupcik, CMAA
District Athletic Director
Hernando County School District