Compromise Needed On Gym Use

To the Editor:

I was discouraged after reading your article regarding the lack of available gym space in Newtown. For the first time, kids will be turned away and prevented from participating in an activity that they both enjoy and benefit from.

I realize that this comes at a time when youth sports have come under criticism due to several isolated incidents of unacceptable behavior of both parents and coaches. However, before we “throw out the baby with the bathwater,” it is important to recognize the contribution that youth sports can make in the development of a child, namely sportsmanship, fair  competition, teamwork, goal setting, learning how to win and how to lose, identity, etc.

What was equally disheartening was the apparent inconsideration demonstrated by the administrators of the Color Guard in not even being willing to consider the needs of the Newtown Park and Rec programs, which services over 1,000 Newtown children in its basketball programs. Having coached over the past seven years in various Newtown programs, I have come across this “Sacred Cow” before where student activities are pushed ahead of any other outside program without any consideration. What I have never understood is a premise that kids are brought in from outside the Newtown community to participate in these Park and Rec programs. In fact, one of the reasons that the NPR basketball program has been so successful is the failure of both the Middle School and the High School to provide a quality intramural program for both high school and middle school boys and girls.

Nobody disagrees with having a quality program for the Color Guard. My point is why the scope of the program tripled when gym availability was so scarce and why was there no thought of cooperation with Park and Rec. In Mr Sphunt’s words, “This is a mess.” What will happen when the basketball program runs late and the Color Guard marches onto the floor and interrupts the game in progress, an incident that already occurred last year?

On a personal note, I was privileged to be a part of the inception of the girl’s senior league two years ago. Last year this program has 60 girls participating. Those that were involved, the players, league coordinators, parents, and referees, appreciated what a special program it was. That program is in jeopardy today of continuing if the only option available to the program is a Friday night.

I am writing you this letter with the hope that others will also express their support of both Newtown Park and Rec and the Newtown youth Basketball Association, under the direction of Mr Sphunt, in their efforts to work out a compromise with the Board of Education and the Color Guard. I am hopeful that an acceptable compromise can be reached regarding the problems of available gym space and the problems associated with this latest decision to increase the scope of the Color Guard program.

Sincerely,

Bruce Martin

Chimney Swift Drive, Sandy Hook    October 27, 2000