Schools

Bad Behavior at Brick Rivalry Football Game Criticized

Board may consider conduct policy

Board members and at least one member of the public called for better behavior at high school football games at a Board of Education meeting Thursday, after what was described as a plethora of foul language and overall poor conduct at the recent rivalry game between the Dragons and Mustangs.

"The language, the activities of some of the students and even parents, was deplorable," said board vice president John Talty, calling the display "a disgrace."

"I hope the administrators make sure that they take every action to make sure that this never happens again," he said.

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After the Sept. 7 football game, hosted this year by Brick Memorial, township residents on Patch and elsewhere discussed the behavior of fans at the game, including some Mustangs fans who were said to be wearing shirts displaying the letters "F.O.B.," a derogatory acronym aimed at Old Brick.

Board member Leonard Cuppari agreed that the behavior of fans was less than stellar, but said district administrators tried as best they could to control those who were getting rowdy.

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Patrick Kelly, a student representative to the school board from Brick Township High School, said administrators should not take the blame for the actions of some fans.

"I don't believe it's truly fair to blame the administrators of the buildings," he said, adding that announcements were made in school the day of the game warning against poor conduct, and students were "warned repeatedly" to behave.

"It is the biggest rivalry in this town," he said. "Things get out of hand."

One member of the public suggested a conduct policy for all fans – students, parents and visitors – be posted at the entrance to the games and fans who violate the policy be ejected.

Board President Sharon Kight said a committee of board members would look into such a policy.


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