Chapin’s home opener Friday was the first time spectators were screened for weapons.

Lexington/Richland School District 5 started the safety measure after an incident at W.C. Hawkins Stadium in the 4th quarter of the Dutch Fork-Irmo football game a week ago.

A verbal gun rumor in the home stands triggered panic among spectators and cheerleaders.

No gun was found, no shots were fired and no arrests were made.

Among the new rules:

The district will use hand-held metal detectors to screen all spectators, starting with Chapin and at Ir-mo and Dutch Fork home games this Friday.

Both Irmo and Dutch Fork played away last week.

Bags will be subject to searches under a state law permitting “reasonable search.”

Admission will be charged through the game.

8th grade or younger students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

School resource officers will travel with teams for away games.

The district recommended fans arrive 30 minutes earlier as scanning will take more time in entering the stadiums.

“We take safety and security very seriously,” said School District Five Superintendent Dr. Christina Melton.

“After listening to the concerns of our parents, staff, community members and school board members over the weekend; we met with our high school principals, district safety officers and other key district staff to take immediate action and implement new safety measures.”