Dear Editor:
It has always been my belief that laws and rules need to be enacted by our government for those with no voice, mainly our children. NJ government also thought it important when they passed an Act allowing non-profit youth organizations to conduct background checks on volunteers. The problems come in when the Act is not fully implemented by the entity that applied for the approvals to do so. It is up to the organization who has received approval to implement the program and then disqualify persons based on previous bad acts. The recreation department in Weehawken does not fully implement this program. Weehawken also implemented a reimbursement policy for the coaches who do follow the rules and get certified and fingerprinted however, no one knows how to get reimbursed. Most coaches looking for reimbursement have been told different excuses as to why they have not been reimbursed, so now they are being punished for following the rules to make this program safer for our children when there is no punishment for just not being certified or fingerprinted. I myself have been put off for a year regarding reimbursement, and told that I must speak with the mayor for reimbursement to my name has been submitted for reimbursement. Most parents in town believe that their children are safe but, as a former coach, I know that many coaches did not get fingerprinted last year and still have not been fingerprinted this year. I am writing this so that the parents of these children are aware of the risks they are taking when they drop their children off at the field and do not stay to supervise these children. I do not know that there is anyone involved in the program that would harm these children but if the rules are not being followed, parents should not have a false sense of security.
My other concern is the fact that it is not mandatory that a child wear an athletic supporter and a protective cup. I know that in years past, this was required in this town but somewhere along the line the requirement has been relaxed. When I went to the people running the program to question it, I was told that it is only required for the catcher to wear one. When I asked who is responsible to check the children catching, they shrugged. I also asked if all coaches and umpires were aware of this rule and was told “I guess so.” I believe this is a very important piece of equipment for any boy to wear before taking the field regardless of position played. The possibility for injury is too high and I am sure will cause a lawsuit to be filed against any coach or program that does not enforce it. I have requested this rule be reviewed, that a review be conducted by the town lawyer, that anyone please listen, to no avail.
Patricia Vavrecan