There was heightened security and new safety protocols in place for the NFA vs. Fitch varsity football game in Groton Friday after it was moved from Thursday due to social media threats.
There will be heightened security and some additional safety measures being taken at a varsity football game between Norwich Free Academy and Fitch High School in Groton on Friday afternoon.
The game was originally supposed to be played Thursday at 6 p.m., but was postponed after school administrators and police were notified of possible safety concerns.
NFA security first contacted Groton police around 1:45 p.m. about the possible safety concerns and police decided to add more officers to be at the game, according to police.
Later on Thursday, students at Fitch notified the school resource officer about concerning social media posts about the game, police said. Due to the nature of the threats, officials from Fitch and NFA, along with Groton police, decided to postpone the game until 4 p.m. on Friday. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and to give officials time to institute additional safety measures and protocols before the game, police said.
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Groton Police Chief Louis Fusaro praised the students for coming forward about the social media posts.
"We encourage students, parents, and citizens who are made aware of concerning posts and potential threats they view on social media to immediately bring them to attention of public safety and/or school officials. This simple act can help identify bad actors and help deter and prevent disruption of events. We applaud these students for having the courage and concern to connect with their SRO to help prevent potential problems at yesterday’s game," Fusaro said in a statement.
Police said the social media posts were made by people who are not associated with Fitch High School or the game.
Special protocols were also implemented for Friday's game:
- Each varsity player will identify four family members to be their spectators. These spectators must still purchase a ticket.
- Every listed spectator must have a photo ID along with their ticket. If you are not listed, you will not be admitted to the game.
- Only NFA and Fitch students will be admitted with a current school ID. Students from both schools will be checked in by their school administrator at their designated gate. Fitch will be checked in at the upper gate and NFA will be checked in at the lower gate. All Fitch and NFA Students are welcome to the game and do not need to be invited by a player.
- Tickets will still be available on GoFan.
- Tickets already purchased will be validated on GoFan to accommodate the date change.
- The concession stand will be open.
