The world keeps getting crazier and the sports arena is no exception. I was totally amazed last week to learn the Windjack family was considered high risk at a CFL football game in British Columbia. They may have looked a little crazy when they arrived at the stadium wearing watermelon helmets in support of their beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders, but such head gear is nothing new. Fans have done such zany things for years in support of the team, and it continues on.
However, it isn’t just the team that is struggling to get it right, security personnel in B.C. obviously need to read their stadium rules and use their own melons a little more. Since when does a watermelon helmet constitute a potential projectile that could endanger public safety? That is what a security guard and supervisor both claimed and would not let the eight family members enter the stadium with their organic head protection.
On the other hand, fans with other head gear such as hard hats were allowed in. The last time I tapped on a watermelon to see if it was ripe, it was considerably softer than a hard hat. Which item constitutes a greater hazard as a potential projectile, half of a hollowed-out watermelon or a hard hat with a strong plastic shell and pointed brim? Couldn’t shoes be used for projectiles? They aren’t banned.
Perhaps security should read and comprehend information on the Lions’ web site which states, “BC Place and the BC Lions know that fans come to the stadium for a memorable, fun and safe experience. We’re here to actively support that environment.”
It also says security measures may include a search of personal effects and people may be recorded by video camera. This makes sense as hooligans can enter the facility with the intent of raising hell and hurt people in the process. Therefore, items listed as prohibited are: alcoholic beverages, bottles, cans, food products, recording devices (video and audio), weapons and any other items illegal or deemed to be a risk. There is the Lions’ statement about items that are perceived to be risky. I want to know if the term risky also applies to security personnel and their supervisors who fail to fully activate their gray matter and logic processes. It is interesting to note that people wearing a real watermelon helmet were denied entry while those with a fake watermelon helmet passed through security without a problem.
The Whitecaps soccer team also plays at Empire Field and their web site is a little more definitive than the Lions’. It clearly lists prohibited items such as:
• fireworks, flares, or other pyrotechnics
• alcoholic beverages of any kind, narcotics or other illegal stimulants
• flagpoles or banner poles of any kind
• any sort of animals other than trained guide dogs for the visually impaired
• spray cans, corrosive, flammable substances, dyes or receptacles containing substances which are harmful to health or are highly flammable
• laser pointers
• vuvuzela horns and
• anything that could be used as a weapon or as a projectile. (Over zealous security officials need to know if this includes infants, saliva or vomit.)
Umbrellas are not banned items provided they are not opened and impede the view of other fans. When I last looked at an umbrella, especially the type with a pointed tip, it definitely looked more like a weapon and potential projectile than a watermelon rind. In fact, umbrellas are not allowed in some NFL stadiums, and for good reason. The prohibited list at B.C. Lions games should also include security workers who display a lack of logic or attitudes of jealousy over Rider fans who are truly devoted to the team (win or lose). I am all for safety, in fact that is my job and this column is only a sideline. However, safety must include logical rules, training for the enforcers and hopefully a competency quiz to ensure their comprehension.
Using the rioting after Vancouver’s loss in the 2011 Stanley Cup final as a reason for banning genuine watermelon helmets from a football game is ludicrous. As a matter of principle, the Lions should reimburse the Windjacks the $100 they spent on watermelons and apologize. Get it right B.C. and don’t ruin the game for fans, visitors and families who simply want to watch a CFL  game, have fun and wear a watermelon on their head!