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Jenkintown weighs varsity football’s future as low roster numbers and safety concerns mount
Summary
District officials reported low participation numbers and safety concerns for the 2026 varsity football season; the administration will evaluate options and bring a recommendation to the board before June 8, while a public commenter urged explicit athletic-trainer authority in protocol 9.3, which the board tabled for revision.
District administrators told the Jenkintown School District board on May 18 that they are evaluating whether the varsity football program can safely operate in fall 2026 after outreach found limited player interest and concerns about roster depth.
The administrator addressed as Steve reported 21 players had expressed interest but said some would be too young or inexperienced for safe full-contact play; he said the district will bring a recommendation to the board before the June 8 meeting. "Any recommendation ultimately brought forward will be made with the best interest of our students and the long term health of the program in mind," Steve said.
During public comment, Dr. Matei Korsanowski, a local doctor of physical therapy, urged the board to amend item 9.3 (athletic-trainer protocols) to make the trainer's medical determinations final, to require documentation and to give trainers direct reporting authority to the athletic director or administration. "I would respectfully ask the board to direct that item 9.3 be amended before approval to include ... that athletic trainers' medical management-based decisions regarding participation, return to play, and emergency response may not be overridden by any coach or staff member," the commenter said.
Board members and administration acknowledged the concern and said they have been working on related contract language with coaches; the board removed item 9.3 from the current agenda and asked staff to return with enhanced language and related documents. Administrators and residents also suggested program alternatives (modified contests, practice structure and coaching education) to keep students participating while reducing risk.
Next steps: Administration will continue gathering participation data and will present a recommendation about the football program to the board prior to the June 8 meeting. Item 9.3 will be revised and returned for consideration.
