Committee limits basketball spectators to four tickets per player, waives gate fees temporarily

The Blackstone‑Millville school committee voted Jan. 6 to adopt a temporary spectator policy for basketball games that limits attendance to four tickets per student athlete and suspends gate fees while the measure is in effect.

Superintendent Jason DeFalco said athletic directors in the Dual Valley Conference proposed the approach to allow games to continue while reducing crowding. He said each student would receive four laminated tickets to distribute to family or others and that athletic directors or appointed staff would collect tickets at the gym entrance. "We'll print the tickets out and give 4 tickets laminated to each student so they can hand them out to their family members," DeFalco said.

DeFalco estimated that with roughly 12 players per team, two teams, four tickets per player, plus ADs and reps, the gym would have about 150 people — about one‑quarter of a gym capacity he said is "over 500." The committee clarified that cheerleaders may attend; whether cheerleaders receive tickets was discussed but not explicitly resolved.

Chair Jane Reggio entertained the motion to approve the spectator changes; Tim Howell moved, the motion was seconded and the committee approved the amendment. DeFalco said the policy will be revisited toward the end of the month.

The policy applies to indoor basketball at this time; the district will review extension to other sports if needed. Officials said the measure is temporary and intended to preserve in‑person athletics while minimizing transmission risk.