Washington, D.C.—A series of violent incidents at high school football games across the Washington region—including a stabbing in Northeast D.C. and multiple fights and robberies in Maryland—has spurred school districts to impose strict new safety rules, most notably requiring students to attend games only with adult supervision.
The most serious episode came on September 7 near Archbishop Carroll High School in Northeast Washington, where two teenage boys were stabbed outside a game. Both victims were conscious when found, and police quickly detained a possible suspect, though investigators have not said whether the stabbing was directly connected to the game.
The violence has not been limited to the District. Montgomery County Police were dispatched to Blake High School on September 19 after an assault during a football game, while in Prince George’s County a citizen was robbed and assaulted outside Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School as several fights erupted following the game. Police responded to a separate large fight during a football game at Potomac High School. In Charles County, officials said a non-contact shooting outside a St. Charles High School game prompted a systemwide review of security.
In response, the District of Columbia State Athletic Association on September 12 announced that all D.C. Public Schools and charter school students must now be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to attend any regular-season football game. “No student will be admitted into any football game without a supervising adult,” the association said in a statement, adding that the rule will remain in place for the entire 2025 season.
Schools are also tightening entry rules: spectators are barred after the third quarter and cannot re-enter once they leave. Many schools plan to move kickoff times earlier—around 4 or 5 p.m.—and some games may be shifted to Thursdays or Saturdays. Officials are assigning separate seating sections for home and away fans and increasing the presence of school staff to keep order.
Maryland school systems are following suit. Charles County has activated “Level 2” of its new security plan, requiring students who do not attend the participating schools to show proof of an online ticket purchase and valid school ID or StudentVue verification. All other school-aged spectators must come with a chaperone at least 21 years old who has purchased a ticket and must remain for the entire event. Concession sales may be limited and game times may be adjusted to help manage crowds.
Officials say the goal is to ensure Friday night games remain community events rather than flashpoints for violence. “We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain a safe and positive environment for all athletes, students, and spectators,” the D.C. association said.
