Following a fight on Jan. 30 at the boys basketball game against San Leandro High, administrators have imposed restrictions to prevent fan behavior from affecting the game or other attendees. 

The first three rows of the bleachers will be off-limits to create a buffer between fans and the court. The home and visitor sections, as well as the student and parent sections, will also be more clearly separated, with corresponding separate entrances and exits.

PHS Principal David Yoshihara said the athletic department is increasing security presence at games, starting with campus supervisor Michael Bell attending the remaining games after Feb. 23.

Administrators will also be more strict regarding fan cheers. Emails and newsletters sent to students and parents on Feb. 3 included a guide detailing acceptable fan behavior. According to the newsletters, fans who violate those rules will be given at most one warning before being asked to leave. If administrators are unable to identify a specific offender, the entire section or group will have to leave.

Students, fans, and officials from both schools at the game on Jan. 30 were injured during the fighting.

“Violence has no place in our schools or at our athletic events,” Yoshihara said during an announcement to PHS.

PHS had previously been placed on probation by CIF, the governing body for California high school sports, for poor fan behavior during soccer games in March 2025, so these new restrictions may not be the only repercussions.

For instance, the next boys basketball game on Feb. 4, a rivalry match at home against Bishop O’Dowd, was held without spectators.

“As a school, we are taking a stand against poor sportsmanship from spectators,” athletic director Tyler Small said in a newsletter sent to students and parents.

Students met to process the event during a “circle” discussion on Feb. 11, led by junior Will Hinman and sophomore Olivia Stevens. Several basketball players and students involved in the fight attended to share their perspectives.