The Warren Township High School District 121 Board of Education is considering withdrawing support for the district's hockey club to ensure it is fair to students in other extracurricular activities that are not sponsored by the district.
Although Warren Township High School did not offer the sport, the Warren Blue Line Hockey Association was formed, offering the school's students the opportunity to play club hockey.
Although the team is not officially organized by the school, it is sanctioned by the district and has some benefits provided to the school's official athletic programs, such as participation in the yearbook and receiving athletic awards.
The district also collects reports on attendance, grades and behavior and shares them with hockey coaches. Students who participate in the hockey team are also provided with benefits that exempt them from physical education classes.
At the Nov. 18 board meeting, Superintendent Danny Westman said, “We have students who have participated in activities like equestrian club and gymnastics who are asking to be treated the same way.
“The main difference between our athletic programs and club programs is staffing,” he said. “These are not our employees. They are not hired by us. They are hired by the club.”
Some have complained to district officials about inconsistencies in the treatment of the hockey team and students involved in other extracurricular activities.
“No one discusses how good the hockey program is and how it benefits our students,” board President Tony DeMonte said. “Instead of talking in the language of exclusion, is there a way to make these other programs more inclusive? I hate to see a world where we take something away when children are involved.”
Wustman said one of the reasons the county doesn't have a hockey team is because of its costs, which require unique facilities, insurance and equipment.
“Some sports are very expensive to play and there can be different levels of responsibility,” he said. “In the past, the county probably decided it would be difficult for us to financially support a hockey team, and that's where the community club comes in and fills that gap.”
District officials said they are looking to reduce participation in club sports while still offering hockey players the opportunity to gain some sort of school recognition.
“I think hockey players, students and their families are looking for recognition,” Vostman said. “What's important to them is that they have a place where they are recognized. I think we do more than just acknowledge them, but I think what they're looking for is a way to be recognized among their peers.”
“It doesn't have to be that it doesn't exist for us to not be involved,” board member John Anderson said.
