CPS and city discuss costs, security and gambling-linked violence at youth sports events

Cincinnati Public Schools athletic staff and city officials discussed a recent spike in security costs for youth‑sports events and community concerns about violence and gambling tied to some youth‑league games during the joint committee meeting April 16.

Athletic Director Josh Harden described a collaborative group formed to review safety at youth events after recent incidents. The working group includes CPS staff, Cincinnati Police Department representatives and city staffers; the group recommended measures such as limiting attendance, wanding at entry and enforcing sportsmanship rules for coaches and spectators.

Harden outlined estimated costs for a safe, city‑aligned event: three police officers at a recently quoted overtime rate of about $267 per hour, wanding by CPS staff at roughly $124 per hour, custodial services at $74 per hour, athletic staff oversight at about $25 per hour and a facility rental fee of approximately $60 per hour — producing a rough total of $550 per hour to run a youth football event to the recommended standards.

Harden said Cincinnati Police recently moved some special-event staffing to overtime rates, increasing costs for youth groups and for CPS when events require additional security. He said the city and CPS were discussing an application process for funding support so community leagues can meet safety requirements without prohibitive costs.

Council member Scotty Johnson said community members are raising a difficult but direct cause behind some violence at games: betting. “The ridiculous amount of money that's being bet on these youth games is ridiculous,” Johnson said, adding that when large sums are wagered on outcomes, “that is why Cincinnati Police have stepped away.”

Committee members and CPS staff discussed alternatives: private sponsorships, greater community accountability and training for coaches on conflict resolution. Several nonprofit partners and community organizations — including Brothers Inc and CRC — were mentioned as potential community supports. The committee did not take action but asked staff to continue exploring funding pathways and operational rules that would keep facilities available while improving safety.

What’s next: Staff said they will continue developing a coordinated application or funding process and will pursue community partnerships and coaching supports; no new fees or formal program changes were approved at this meeting.