High school basketball refs with body cams? It’s possible when Gig Harbor plays Peninsula
Peninsula School District officials have made some security changes for the upcoming basketball games between Gig Harbor High School and Peninsula High School.
The two teams will play each other Wednesday, Jan. 10. The boys will play at Gig Harbor High School. The girls will play at Peninsula High School. The varsity games are at 7 p.m. and the junior varsity games start at 5:15 p.m.
Recent rivalry games between the schools resulted in investigations to address student and staff behavior.
Last season, the district investigated an allegation that a Gig Harbor High School girls basketball player called a Peninsula High School player a racial slur in a post game handshake line. Fans were not allowed in the stands when the teams played the next month.
More recently, the chaotic atmosphere at the annual Fish Bowl football game led to an investigation that resulted in five coaches being disciplined for behavior during and after the game. Public records showed district staff were worried prior to the game that they wouldn’t have enough security.
Ticket sales and security for the games
There will be two law enforcement officers at both games, Kris Hagel, a spokesperson for PSD, told the Gateway Tuesday.
As for how that compares to last year’s police presence, Hagel said: “Basketball coverage depends on availability, but we typically have one or two officers for more spirited basketball games.”
When asked about ticket sales or limiting attendance, he said there has not been any changes this year. Both gyms have capacity numbers the district will abide by. Hagel wasn’t able to share those capacity numbers Tuesday.
The one big change will be an increase in staff coverage, Hagel said.
“District security staff, teachers and administrators will be embedded in the crowds, and central office administrators will be onsite to assist as well,” he said.
He also said that the WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) and WOA (Washington Officials Association) have a new rule this year.
Officials can now stop play if fans or players are out of line, Hagel said.
Something else that’s new is that officials could be wearing body cameras, he said.
“Some local districts are seeing random officials wearing body cameras for the basketball games,” Hagel said. “This is apparently a random occurrence and nothing we have control over. We would be made aware when the officials arrive that they will be wearing those.”
Hagel also said: “Administrators and athletics staff have been working collaboratively between both schools to work with parent groups, leadership classes and others to share sportsmanship beliefs and expectations.”
Gig Harbor and Peninsula might be in different divisions next year
The News Tribune recently reported that the two schools might play each other less often in the future as athletic directors look toward the 2024-28 high school reclassification cycle. Peninsula and Gig Harbor currently compete in the Class 3A South Sound Conference. Athletic directors are working behind the scenes to form a new league, merging the 3A SSC with the 3A Pierce County League.
Sources involved in those discussions told The News Tribune that Peninsula School District officials proposed having Gig Harbor and Peninsula in different divisions within the new league to limit how often they compete against each other, despite their geographic proximity.
Several sources told The News Tribune the directive came from PSD Superintendent Krestin Bahr.
Hagel said Tuesday: “Superintendent Bahr never requested separate divisions. That was the recommendation of Gig Harbor and Peninsula High School principals and athletic directors.”
He also provided an additional statement on the matter that said:
“This year is a reclassification cycle for the WIAA, where all districts and schools assess their enrollment and subsequent league membership. As we collaborate with other 3A schools in the West Central District, we are committed to staying in the same league, which is potentially expanding to two divisions, and choosing to be placed in different divisions. At this time, we feel there are significant benefits to this structure, including but not limited to:
Improved access to postseason for both comprehensive high schools
Increased opportunities for sub varsity competition
Fiscal responsibility; increase in league revenue through league tournaments and crossover games
Continued opportunities for competition between Gig Harbor and Peninsula
Our district is excited about the possibility of joining a new league and the opportunities it presents for our students. We are committed to maintaining the opportunity for our high schools to compete against each other and will do whatever we can to continue this.”
Staff writer Jon Manley contributed to this report.
