As Recreation Sports Enrollment Falls, Towns Explore Shared Services

Recreation baseball and softball enrollment has dipped varying degrees in both Wyckoff and Franklin Lakes. But that doesn’t necessarily mean children are forsaking sports — quite the contrary.

“[Children] could be playing three or four sports any given month,” said Wyckoff Recreation Director Andy Wingfield. “And some do.”

With the addition of spring lacrosse two years ago in Wyckoff and the extension of club soccer into spring, many active youngsters are finding they don’t have time for America’s favorite pastime.

In Franklin Lakes, only nine seventh and eighth graders signed up for spring rec softball.

“There are also a lot of other activities for kids to get involved in — the Wyckoff Family YMCA Sharks Swim Team has a very strong program and there are also local gymnastic and dance opportunities,” noted Wyckoff Town Committeeman Brian Scanlan, who is liaison to the rec department.

Wyckoff’s enrollment in all spring activities has actually remained stagnant at around 1,200. The move to lacrosse, however, is evident with 90 more boys than last year and 48 more girls in 7th and 8th grades alone, said Wingfield.

“Lacrosse is a very fast sport and has increased in popularity,” he added. Wyckoff lacrosse will have about 350 third through eighth graders this spring.

“Baseball is a game of wait and see,” according to Franklin Lakes Recreation Director John Ciurciu. “Lacrosse happens so fast. That is how sports are going, kids are going and rec is going. Kids are leaning towards faster games and newer sports.”

The smaller enrollment in baseball and softball, and therefore smaller number of teams in each grade, has made Wyckoff’s Rec Department seek out other towns to play with; agreements have been made for the past few years between Wyckoff and Franklin Lakes to play baseball games against each other.

Both towns are looking into creating a league together, but that isn't going to occur in 2013, according to officials.

Oakland hasn’t seen baseball and softball numbers fall, according to Oakland Rec Chairman Mike Guadagnino. Lacrosse there is more mature after being established several years ago in conjunction with Franklin Lakes.

As Wyckoff looks to form working relationships with nearby rec departments, they've found it has to be selective.

The reason is wooden bats.

Wyckoff’s decision to use wood was based on a 2006 incident in Wayne where a child, Steven Domalewski, was permanently brain damaged and ultimately won a $14.5 million settlement against the maker of Louisville Slugger bats, the Sports Authority, and the New Jersey State Little League.

“We moved to wood so the balls didn’t come flying off the bat,” said Wingfield. “We thought we could make it a little safer.”

Another rule, which is compatible with Ridgewood’s softball guidelines, is a ban on windmill pitching. The decision was made to keep all players engaged in the games.

“We’ve always wanted it to be exciting for all girls,” said Wingfield. “Not where the pitching dominates the game. We thought we wouldn’t get those kids back after the season was over.”

However, there is some talk about allowing windmill pitching so girls are familiar with the style used in competitive softball.

The ultimate goal, Wingfield said, is to engage as many children as possible. And choices are huge part of that.

“I think it’s great that we have so many choices,” said Scanlan. “My wife Gail, who grew up in Wyckoff, didn't get a chance to play any recreation sports in Wyckoff and played baseball with her brothers in their backyard."

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