Strict new guidelines have been announced for spectators attending this weekend’s rugby union clash between Kinross Wolaroi School and arch-rivals, St Stanislaus’ College in Bathurst.
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Host school, St Stanislaus’ has announced the strict new rules to avoid a repeat of last year’s ugly brawl.
Spectators supporting each of the schools will be segregated into stands on either side of the main oval at St Stanislaus’ while another stand will be made available for Stannies’ Old Boys.
The guidelines have been put in place 12 months after a match between the schools was marred by a brawl at full-time involving members of the crowd.
Head of college Anne Wenham issued a public apology to Kinross players and spectators just days after the match, confirming a number of St Stanislaus’ old boys had been responsible for the melee.
In a post published on the school’s website, St Stanislaus’ has outlined new guidelines for this year’s match, including making the game a media-free event.
“In 2016 the First XV game between Stannies and Kinross was a fine encounter between 30 young men who played the game in true competitive spirit and with wonderful sportsmanship,” the website states.
“Unfortunately, the game itself was marred after the finish by the actions of a small number of spectators.”
Security personnel will be stationed at the school gates on Saturday and will remain on-site throughout the match to ensure:
- There is no smoking or alcohol on college grounds. Anyone who appears affected by alcohol will be refused entry.
- Vehicle access is restricted to staff and coaches from both schools and match officials.
- All players, parents and visitors enter the grounds via the gate in front of the college’s Marble Hall.
- All spectators abide by Independent Schools Association spectator protocols.
- In addition, no spectators will be allowed onto the oval at the end of the match.
Stannies go into the weekend’s match as strong favourites following an undefeated start to the Independent Schools Association 2017 season, while Kinross has enjoyed just one win in its three matches so far.
The First XV match kicks off at 3.15pm on Saturday.
