By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The 2024 prep volleyball season was a banner one for teams around the Golden Belt. Seven teams throughout Barton, Rice, and Rush Counties are headed to state at four different venues, each with their own set of rules for fans. Here are those rules as listed on the Kansas State High School Activities Association website.
Class 5A at Tony's Pizza Event Center in Salina
(Great Bend, evening session on Friday, Nov. 1)
1. Clear Bag Policy in effect approved bags will include clear tote bags up to 12” x 12” x 6”, one-gallon plastic freezer bags, or small purses or clutches not to exceed 8.5” x 5.5”. Patrons whose bags exceed these dimensions will be asked to return belongings to their vehicles.
2. Bags NOT ALLOWED include but are not limited to: backpacks, binoculars cases, camera cases, large purses, oversized tote bags, diaper bags, mesh bags, fanny packs or seat cushions. Diaper bags are allowed, though diaper bags will be subject to search by security team.
3. Video and/or photography is not allowed at most TONY’S® Pizza Events Center events without pre-approved media credentials. Media request must be made in advance and will not be accepted day of event. Absolutely no TRI-PODS are allowed into the facility unless they are on the approved media list and set up in designated media areas.
4. Banners and/or signs should only be hung from arena railing system (bottom rail only) and cannot be attached with tape. Zip ties and/or string is preferred. Size must not exceed 4ft. x 12ft. (page 15 of manual). Any banners taped to the arena rails, left over night or those that exceed the size limit will be taken down by arena staff.
IMPORTANT: All signs must be removed each day. Venue not responsible for any signs which are not removed.
5. No bands, artificial noisemakers or props are allowed at postseason volleyball tournaments (page 14 of your manual).
6. Helium balloons and confetti are not allowed in the arena.
7. Face/body paint application is not allowed in the building.
8. Guests/fans will not wear or bring signage with obscene or indecent messages.
9. Guests/fans will enjoy an event that is free of disruptive behavior, foul or abusive language or obscene gestures. All fans are to abide by Rule 52 and display good Sportsmanship.
10. Cheerleaders and school administrators are to see that students do not stand on chairs. Schools will be held responsible for any damage to chairs or other property where the damage is directly attributable to the school.
Class 3A at Hutchinson Sports Arena
(Hoisington, evening session on Friday, Nov. 1)
No outside food or drink. Cash or credit card options available for concessions.
Class 2A and 1A, Div. I at Dodge City's United Wireless Arena
(Ellinwood, morning session on Friday, Nov. 1
Little River and St. John evening session on Friday, Nov. 1)
Glitter, Confetti and Balloons filled with helium are NOT ALLOWED in the Arena. Artificial noise-makers (horns, cowbells, triangles, whistles, etc.) are not allowed. Banners and signs are acceptable as long as they are not derogatory. Signs can be attached to anything in the Arena other than the hockey dashers (as this is playable surface) and cannot obstruct the view of spectators or block Exit signs. Please use string or zip-ties not tape. Signs may not exceed 4’x 6’. Cash or credit card options available for concessions.
Class 1A, Div. II at Emporia's White Auditorium
(Otis-Bison in morning session on Friday, Nov. 1)
- No Helium filled balloons or confetti is permitted in the facility.
- Spectators are assigned seating locations for team introductions according to a predetermined assignment made by the KSHSAA, not necessarily based on the seed of the team. Please observe these seating assignments during the team introductions portions of the tournament.
- No artificial noisemakers are allowed in the facility.
- Signs may not be taped to the railings. Use string or zip ties to attach signs.
- All fans are to abide by Rule 52 and display good Sportsmanship.
- Fans must stay off the court after the conclusion of all matches.
- Coolers with food and drink for the players will only be allowed in the locker rooms.
- Ticket booths open one hour prior to the first game. Credit and debit cards are accepted.
- Updated results and brackets are available by going to kshsaa.org and clicking on the state tournament site, look for the icon - updated state results.
- CASH ONLY for concessions.