Dear Parents and Members of the Greeley community,

In light of recent incidents, both during and after our boys’ basketball games, we have decided to play our next home game, Thursday, January 31 vs. Brewster without student spectators present. In addition, the remaining home games for the boys’ varsity team on January 31st and February 6th will be played at 4:30pm.

While this was a difficult decision, it was made necessary by some ongoing, poor behavior on the part of some of our student fans. The events last Friday, January 18th, both during and after an away game at Byram Hills escalated to the point that student safety became a genuine concern. During the game, many of our students chanted profanities at the opposing players and showed little regard for the adults who asked them to stop. Their poor sportsmanship was also directed at the officials. Following the game, as our students went into the parking lot, they threw bottles and cans and kicked the cars of Byram Hills students. Police on the scene were forced to intervene and end what could have been a much more serious situation. It also came to light that several of our students came to the game under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. While it is true that Byram Hills’ students also played a role in the parking lot, our students are our primary concern and we cannot excuse their behavior simply because others were involved.

We want to remind everyone that all athletic contests are school events. Whether they take place at Greeley or any other venue, these events are governed by our district’s student code of conduct.

We ask that all spectators respect the efforts of the players, coaches, and officials by cheering in a positive manner for their teams. At no time should spectators speak to participants, coaches or officials during a contest. Profanity, racial or ethnic slurs, personal insults, fighting or other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and are grounds for dismissal from the event. In addition, the use of noisemakers is not permitted.

It is our hope that our student fans will return to the sidelines to cheer for our team at the February 4th game at Fox Lane and that their behavior there will be so appropriate that we will look forward to welcoming them back for our final home game on February 6th against John Jay. If we see any repeat of the behavior we witnessed at the Byram Hills game, that final home game will also be closed to student spectators.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,