PAY TO NOT PLAY
Many families that fronted the money for kids to play in youth leagues well before the nation’s pandemic shutdown are now left wondering if they’re going to see that money again.
And most probably shouldn’t expect to, regional sports officials say.
The American Youth Soccer Organization and Little League have said resuming the spring season is up to the respective local leagues when it is deemed safe to do so.
However, AYSO Area 13 H — covering Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Danville, Millville, Southern Columbia and Mount Carmel — has announced it has canceled its spring season.
“We didn’t take the decision lightly,” AYSO Area Director Fred DePoe said. “We really thought it over and talked it over a lot. The best thing for the players and their parents is to wait it out.
“We didn’t want to be responsible for putting players on the field and at risk for getting sick.”
Families that paid for kids to play in both the fall and spring leagues are not eligible for a refund. However, those that paid for only the spring season will get their money back.
DePoe says as long as a team practiced, even once, they are not eligible for a refund due to the insurance policy.
“There’s a $20 fee for national insurance to protect the kids in case they get hurt on the first day of practice,” he said. “Once they practiced or played, they are no longer eligible for a refund.
“If they played, they need insurance.”
DePoe said most of the money from the families signed up for both the fall and spring went to field maintenance and other organization needs.
Little League
Meanwhile, in Little League, District 13 — which makes up the immediate region — administrator Greg Brouse said that Berwick and Turbotville already announced they canceled their respective seasons. Brouse says Berwick’s biggest concern was whether BerVaughn Park could open before the end of the summer.
Most, however, have been publicly posting on Facebook, saying they’re keeping an eye on the situation.
Brouse, who has left that decision up to the leagues after the cancellation of the sectional and state tournaments, thinks most will cancel their seasons.
“I look for a lot of leagues to take a step back this year,” he said. “Not everyone has thrown in their hat, but the concerns are there for both the virus and kids wanting to play fall sports.”
If play is canceled, families shouldn’t expect to see any of that money returned.
Little League’s governing body has posted a 42-page season resumption guide on its website. In it, they recommended registration fees be rolled over to another year of play reading “we kindly ask those requesting a refund instead consider accepting a credit for a future season in order to help us offset operational costs the league has already incurred prior to the pandemic.”
Nearly every league in the region charges at least $60 for the first child signed up — reducing the additional price when registering multiple children — plus uniform charges.
Brouse says most of that money may have already been spent on baseballs and softballs, field maintenance, concession stands and uniforms.
“Most of the leagues in the area are not wealthy by any means. They run year to year with the money,” Brouse said. “With this happening in March like it did, they may have gone out and made purchases with the registration money.”
Brouse is advising leagues to take the steps Little League recommended, using it as credit toward next year so leagues don’t take a step back financially.
“I tell them if they’re refunding the money, that someone needs to keep good book work,” he said. “They need to make sure nobody is forgotten.
“But I also tell them if they can use it as credit, I would like to see them work it out for the families to use next year.”
The good news?
Brouse said if a few leagues do hold a modified season, kids from leagues that canceled are still eligible to play for a league that is playing games. For example, a Berwick kid can play in Bloomsburg this summer if the town holds a season.
Looking ahead
Brouse’s biggest concern is the amount of time it will take Pennsylvania to get back into the “green” and allow sports to be played again.
He is giving every league a May 22 deadline, wanting to hear what their intentions are. But he’s not ruling out doing something for the kids, including “sandlot” games — picking youngsters and playing by playground rules.
“I hope that every league gives it a fair chance here and gives it every attempt to have a modified season,” he said.
DePoe is optimistic local AYSO action will resume in the fall. And the area has taken steps to avoid future financial issues.
Registration for the fall opens up Friday, but parents are being asked not to pay. Rather, they’re being placed on a waiting list.
“We hope to have it, but it’s up to the virus,” DePoe said. “That’s why we’re not making them pay. Whenever we get word from scientists and medical officials that it’s safe, we’ll be ready to roll.”
Link to story: https://www.pressenterpriseonline.com/daily/051320/page/9/story/pay-to-not-play
