Imagine the joy, the pride, the thrill of watching your child score the winning touchdown or make a crucial play under the bright stadium lights at a Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) football game. For many parents and family members, these are the moments that create lifelong memories. Yet, the recent policy change by LPS has severely restricted post-game celebrations between the football team and their families, depriving us of these invaluable opportunities.

Parents, who tirelessly cheer from the stands game after game, are now unable to celebrate these hard-fought victories alongside their children. These restrictions are not rooted in any incidents or disruptions initiated by the LPS football teams. Moreover, the current policy singles out football, while other sports within LPS do not face the same limitations. This uneven enforcement is unjust and targets a specific group without rationale.

We acknowledge and support the importance of maintaining order and safety during events that involve large crowds. However, the current policy is overly stringent and can be easily replaced with a safer, more controlled alternative that still allows for celebration. We propose a structured "high-five line" post-game celebration. This solution would have players remain on the field while families enthusiastically cheer and support them from the stands. This method ensures a separation between players and families, reducing any risk of disorder, yet retaining the spirit and joy of the post-game celebration.

Families are the backbone of support for our athletes. We stand by them through training, toughness, and triumphs. To rob us of celebrating these moments is to undermine our role in their sports journey. Celebrating victories is part of the healing and bonding experience of sports, a tradition that should be upheld in fair balance with safety considerations.

We urge the LPS administration to engage with us in a constructive dialogue to revisit the current policy. Together, we can develop a solution that prioritizes both safety and the invaluable experience of post-game celebrations. A simple gesture like the "high-five line" could honor the hard work and commitment of both players and their family supporters without compromising safety.

Join us in advocating for a sensible and joyous resolution. Sign this petition to call for a meeting with LPS officials so we can work together towards re-establishing a practically and emotionally satisfying post-game celebration for our beloved football teams. Your voice counts in shaping a nurturing, inclusive, and joyful environment for all involved.