Clear Bag Policy

allowed bag sizes

The Coatesville Area School District continues to review its regulations to enhance public safety and improve efficiencies as it relates to school events. While the CASD encourages guests not to bring bags if possible, limiting the size and style of bags carried into events, including commencement ceremonies, aids in maintaining safe and secure environments, decreases the time waiting to enter venues, and improves the overall event experience.

Staff will be monitoring all entrances to the events. Guests with a prohibited bag will not be permitted inside the venue. Guests with prohibited bags will need to return their bags to their vehicle and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag before entering the venue.

Entrances at the Coatesville Memorial Stadium or Coatesville Gymnasium, will allow for screening of any medically necessary items or equipment not able to fit within the bag policy requirements.

Our goal is to create a safe, enjoyable experience for our students, staff, and guests. If you have questions please email the Coatesville Area School District Police Department, police@casdschools.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if a guest shows up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?

Guests will not be allowed to enter with a non-conforming bag. Guests will be asked to return items to their vehicle.

2. Are all purses prohibited?

No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted. Purses larger than this are not permitted. Small clutch purses will be searched by security or School District Police personnel.

3. Are diaper bags prohibited?

Everything that you would put into a diaper bag must now be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, is allowed to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse into the stadium.

4. Can guest bring stadium seats or chair backs?

Guests can bring stadium seats and seat cushions into the stadium.

5. Why has a bag regulation been adopted?

This is about both safety and improving the overall event experience. The Coatesville Area School District frequently reviews its public safety and security regulations looking for ways to improve. Coatesville Area School District Clear Bag Regulations

6. How does the new bag regulation improve public safety?

The clear bag is easily and quickly searched and greatly reduces faulty bag searches. It also supports the Department of Homeland Security’s "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign.

7. How is this regulation more convenient for guest?

The clear bags will enable security and School District Police to move guests through the entry gate(s) much faster than having lines of staff checking each and every guest bags. A standard size bag eliminates the need for bag templates to check bag sizes. Clear bags allow staff to be more efficient and effective in keeping you safe by preventing dangerous items from entering the event.

8. How many bags may each person bring into the event?

One large clear bag -- either a one-gallon clear resealable plastic bag or a 14” x 6” x 14” clear bag -- plus a small clutch. The larger clear bag must be a standard 14” x 6” x 14” made of clear plastic, PVC, or vinyl and visually searchable. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is also easily searched.

9. Can smartphones, tablets, binoculars or cameras be carried SEPARATELY from the clear bag?

Yes. Phones, cameras or binoculars may be carried in by hand. Cases for these items are not allowed.

10. If I have special medical equipment I require with me at all times, where do I put that?

An exception will be made for medical necessary items after proper inspection at entrance areas by Security or School District Police

11. Do I have to put everything I’m carrying into a permissible bag?

No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the event, not items that you normally bring to an event. Therefore, you may carry items in your pockets or jacket (keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc.). You also may carry binoculars and/or a camera around your neck or in your hands (without the case, of course). You may use the clear bag and clutch to carry other items. Every member of your family may carry in a permissible bag.

12. Will clear bags be available on site?

No. Guests are responsible for their own clear bags.