This is an unsportsmanlike method of gaining home-court advantage.
Public high schools in New York City have banned visiting fans from their gyms, leaving disgruntled parents at home to watch their children play on social media.
Parents from Cardozo High School in Queens complained to The Post that they were turned away from the door at rival Francis Lewis earlier this month after driving an hour from work, while a coach from Thomas Edison stated that the parents of his players were denied entry to a game at Hillcrest.
During a Tuesday home game versus John Bowne, Cardozo allegedly excluded rival fans.
“My father followed me when I played sports,” grumbled 62-year-old Roland Judge, who frequently attends away games to observe and videotape his 17-year-old son Christopher, a Bowne player. Being present for my son is the proper action to take.
Last year, certain members of the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) began implementing blanket restrictions for away spectators, according to the legendary basketball coach at Cardozo, Ron Naclerio.
Ron Naclerio, basketball coach at Cardozo, stated that the prohibition on away teams began at several schools last year and has lasted.
The perplexing ban was implemented after the PSAL granted schools the option to once again invite guests at indoor games in October 2021.
Now, at institutions like as Cardozo and Francis Lewis, the ban on visiting fans attending basketball games has maintained without explanation, despite health concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic having diminished substantially.
Amina Wright, 48, whose son Isaiah, 18, plays point guard for Cardozo’s varsity basketball team, said, “They’re taking advantage of the COVID situation, and this is nonsense.” They are no longer infected with SARS-CoV; therefore, the investigation can be closed.
Cardozo Amina Wright and other parents have traveled to away games to watch their children play but have been denied entry due to visiting fan prohibitions.
The bans have increased the home-court advantage of the teams. The visitors, however, must battle against a nearly totally hostile crowd without the backing of their biggest cheerleaders — their parents.
During certain away games, the father of one of Thomas Edison High School’s best basketball players must sit in the car, according to head basketball coach Ryan Gompers. He has not been performing to his expectations.
The closed-door strategy has thus far resulted in winning home records for both ‘Dozo and Francis Lewis. ‘Dozo has recorded two victories and one loss at home in the still-young basketball season, which began in November.
The prohibition has also prevented parents from recording their children’s performances.
While administration have remained silent on the cause for the ban, several coaches and parents feel it may be an effort to reduce violence between opposing fans and loud parents in the stands.
Louis Xifaras, a high school basketball consultant located in Queens, remarked, “Parents are yelling at refs, and coaches are entering the court.” Observing basketball games in New York City no longer gives the impression of a secure setting.
Julius Allen, the commissioner of boys basketball for the PSAL, stated that he has heard concerns from coaches over the prohibitions on away-team fans and hopes school officials will ease the restriction.
Allen stated, “The coaches would love to see more [fans] at the game so that we can have a wonderful basketball experience.”
Department of Education and Cardozo and Hillcrest authorities did not respond to a request for comment. David Marmor, the principal of Francis Lewis, declined to comment and referred to the school’s policy prohibiting spectators.
J.C. Rice has added reporting.
»NYC high school basketball fans denied access to rivals’ home gyms without reason«