Scoreboard Operator Sought for Rec League Games

Parents and fans of Springfield's recreation football leagues have expressed their frustration that while young athletes have been able to play at Jonathan Dayton High School's new athletic complex, neither the scoreboard nor the public announcement system has been working during their home games.

One Patch reader and parent of a Junior Dawg likened the experience to "eating cake without the icing."

Though the young athletes haven't been able to take full advantage of all the field's amenities on game day, Springfield Schools Superintendent Michael Davino said it is not for lack of trying. He and Board Secretary Matthew Clarke said Wednesday afternoon they have been trying for weeks to find an employee of the Township of Springfield or the Springfield school district to work the scoreboard but have been unable to find one willing to do so. 

Davino explained that a trained individual, covered by district or Township's insurance is necessary to protect the "significant investment" made by residents. A priority, he added, is protecting the facility and its equipment "for many, many years to come." 

"This isn't just a park in the middle of nowhere where we can just throw open the doors. Rightfully, we'd be skewered if we weren't protecting this significant investment," Davino said. 

Both he and Clarke said they have been making inquiries within the district while Township Administrator Anthony Cancro has been looking for township employees to see if those trained would be willing to work the scoreboard but so far they "haven't had any takers." 

Davino said the district is trying to set up an appropriate procedure and hopes to train additional town and/or district employees who would be willing to accept the responsibility going forward. 

"The fact is, the kids are playing on it," said Davino, who added that in past years no team had requested the use of a scoreboard. "This is the first year. We can't meet everyone's demands but we're working diligently to allow as much accessibility as possible in a controlled environment. That's our responsibility." 

Clarke pointed out that youth leagues are able to use the field during weeknights under the lights, adding, "We see this as a major positive."

Although Sunday will be the final home game for many rec teams, Davino and Clarke said thus far they have been unsuccessful in securing anyone to work the scoreboard.