RHS announces ban on baby powder tradition during football games

The School District of Rhinelander is warning students that baby powder will no longer be allowed in the student section during sporting events.
In a letter addressed to students and fans, posted on the Hodag Athletics and Activities Facebook page, activities director Brian Paulson explained that students must continue the tradition of throwing baby powder into the air during games.
“A longtime tradition among Rhinelander students has been throwing baby powder into the air during big plays, a practice many conference opponents have now adopted as well. However, on Friday night, the powder didn’t dissolve properly and lingered above the field, creating safety and health concerns,” Paulson wrote. “The game officials informed me that students need to stop doing this immediately. Additionally, powder began drifting into areas where community members were watching, which many found disruptive. During the game, the PA announcer asked students to stop using baby powder, and game supervisors removed many bottles from the student sections. While many students cooperated, some hid their bottles and continued the practice, which was disrespectful. I want to thank those responsible students who understood the request and stopped doing it. Unfortunately, at the end of the game, some students from the opposing side threw remaining bottles of powder into the air and then threw the bottles onto the track, nearly hitting Antigo’s athletic trainer. I need to thank the responsible Antigo students who cleaned up the bottles off the track and in the student section area and properly disposed of the bottles. As activities director at Rhinelander High School, I love seeing students have fun, be creative, and show school spirit through themes, chants, and cheers. However, it’s disappointing when requests to stop certain behaviors are ignored. Both Rhinelander and Antigo have great students, and I enjoy seeing the energy and enthusiasm at our games. Moving forward, we ask that all students continue to promote positive school spirit while respecting the requests of game officials and supervisors. Effective immediately, baby powder will no longer be allowed in our student section or visiting teams’ student sections. Inhaling talc dust can pose health risks, including respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties, especially for individuals with asthma or other conditions. While the visual effect of powder can be fun, the safety of all players, spectators, and staff is our top priority.”