Jim Phillips addresses new ACC policy on field, court storming, Clemson releases statement
The Atlantic Coast Conference is making changes to its postgame policies and safety procedures related to fans making their way onto the field and storming the court following league games.
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Conference commissioner Jim Phillips kicked off the 2025 ACC Media Days Tuesday morning where he addressed the league’s new policies.
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Said Phillips: “In the sports of football and men’s and women’s basketball, our conference has elevated its expectations around court and field safety. Members are required to continue developing event security plans, which will now include a review by a third party independently, and to ensure that only participants, coaches, officials and authorized personnel are allowed in the competition area before, during and at the conclusion of any competition.
“The plan may allow spectators to access the competition area following a contest, but only after the visiting team and officials have safely exited the area with the elevated safety expectations, it’s critical. There’s critical importance to ensure that adequate time for all members of the visiting team to safely leave the field of play. In addition to these elevated expectations, there is a corresponding fine structure in place, should a school have a breach in this new policy.”
Fine Structure For Violations Of Postgame Rules
$50,000 first offense
$100,000 second offense
$200,000 third offense
**** Timeline for fines resets every two years.
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Clemson released the following statement on the new policy shortly before 9:30 a.m:
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“The ACC’s revised sportsmanship policy provides an important framework for all institutions to evaluate and enhance their safety procedures for fans, teams and game officials in line with other major conferences and venues. Clemson is in the process of finalizing our updated protocol in accordance with this policy. Our approach acknowledges the significance of Gathering at the Paw on Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, and we intend to allow for its continuation once visiting teams and personnel have safely exited the field. We ask our fans for their cooperation in this matter beginning this fall.”
