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Board gives direction to pursue student-led girls flag-football pilot amid cost and participation questions
Summary
After a student-driven proposal showing 17 definite and eight possible interested players, the board broadly supported pursuing a girls varsity flag-football program this year but asked administration to confirm sustained interest and firm up startup and recurring costs (estimated $25,000'$40,000) and to monitor impacts on spring sports.
The Shoreham-Wading River Board of Education discussed a student-initiated proposal to add a girls varsity flag-football team on Aug. 26 and indicated general support to pursue a pilot while seeking more data on participation and costs.
Superintendent Pool summarized a survey that showed 17 students "definitely" interested and eight "possible," most of them freshmen. Pool and athletic staff said a typical startup estimate ranges from roughly $25,000 to $40,000 depending on whether the district hires one or two coaches (with payroll costs), initial uniforms and equipment, transportation and Section 11 fees.
One presenter with Section 11 experience told the board that flag football can be implemented without damaging other programs and that in other districts it attracted students from a variety of sports; that presenter said some districts later developed strong programs. "Whenever you're creating opportunities for kids, which is the biggest positive," the presenter said.
Board members raised concerns about field space, potential impacts on spring sports such as track and softball, and the district's tight budget. Several trustees said they were inclined to support a pilot year, contingent on confirming actual enrollment when spring registration opens and identifying temporary budget offsets. "I think it's great to report back to them," the chair said after receiving general consensus to move forward with planning.
The board gave administration direction to notify Section 11 in time for scheduling, confirm student commitment before incurring major expenditures, and report back with a budget plan and enrollment confirmation.
