Urbandale Community Ed proposes sports policy changes to prioritize local student athletes

The Urbandale Community School District (CSD) School Board convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the policy governing the use of school facilities for community sports teams. The proposed adjustments aim to prioritize Urbandale students in community education sports programs, a move that has sparked considerable discussion among board members and community stakeholders.

The current policy allows teams with at least 75% of their players residing in Urbandale to use school facilities without charge. However, the board is considering a shift that would require any sports team competing with community education-sponsored activities—such as basketball, wrestling, flag football, and track and field—to have a majority of players enrolled in Urbandale schools. This change would necessitate teams to provide rosters to verify enrollment, and those that do not meet the new criteria would be moved to a lower priority category, requiring them to pay for facility use.

The rationale behind this proposal is to encourage local youth to participate in Urbandale's community education sports programs, fostering peer interaction and development within the district. Board members emphasized the importance of having young athletes compete with their peers, which they believe will enhance their skills as they progress into high school athletics. Additionally, with limited gym space, the proposed changes aim to ensure that Urbandale students have priority access to facilities.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the potential impact on existing teams, particularly those that include players from outside the district. For instance, the Urbandale Girls Recreational Association (UGRA) volleyball team, which does not compete with community education programs, would remain eligible for free facility use under the new policy. However, teams that do compete with community education programs would face restrictions, potentially limiting opportunities for Urbandale students who may currently play on mixed teams.

Board members discussed the possibility of allowing some flexibility, such as a "grandfather" clause for established teams that may struggle to meet the new requirements. This consideration reflects a desire to balance the promotion of district programs with the realities of existing community sports dynamics.

In conclusion, the proposed changes to the facility use policy are designed to strengthen Urbandale's community education sports programs and ensure that local students are prioritized. As the board continues to refine these proposals, the community will be watching closely to see how these adjustments will shape youth sports participation in Urbandale.