NEW WATERFORD, N.S. — A fight between two teens during Monday's opening ceremonies at the 38th annual Coal Bowl Classic didn't last long.
Jennifer Sheppard, spokesperson for the Coal Bowl committee, said the fight broke out between a Breton Education Centre (BEC) student and a Sydney Academy student while the players were entering the court, before any speeches or anthems.
"Most of the crowd didn't know it happened. The volunteer firefighters jumped in so quickly and contained them in the corner," she said in a phone interview.
"Our police liaison officer escorted them out and they have been banned from the rest of Coal Bowl for the week."
The tournament has a strict no-tolerance policy for fighting and Sheppard said this was the first time in the tournament's history an incident like this happened during opening ceremonies.
The fight was between two males who are not members of any teams playing at Coal Bowl.
In the past, Sheppard said there were issues with student spectators showing up intoxicated to games. These students would be refused entry and Sheppard said tournament policy for intoxicated student spectators is to immediately call their parents and send them home.
"We have so many community members involved, so many eyes watching, we are able to take care of situations like these quickly."
Thanks to their no-tolerence policies and volunteers, Sheppard said issues with intoxicated students rarely occur during Coal Bowl week.
"It is unfortunate that this incident occurred at such a wonderful event," said Michelle MacLeod, spokesperson for the Cape Breton Regional-Centre for Education. "The incident was addressed with those involved by school administration."
