Pembroke School Committee Weighs New Policy for Mixed-Gender Sports Teams

Safety concerns prompt discussion on allowing coaches to forfeit games

PEMBROKE, MA - October 1 - The Pembroke School Committee is considering implementing a new policy that would allow coaches to forfeit games when biological males play on all-female teams, citing safety concerns for female athletes.

The discussion was initiated during the committee's recent meeting, where members explored the possibility of reviewing and potentially adopting a policy similar to one implemented by the Dighton-Rehoboth school district.

Committee Chair Patrick Chilcott brought up the issue, referencing a news report about a policy allowing coaches to forfeit games in such situations. "I would like to request that the policy subcommittee go back and look at JJIB or other related policies and kind of put it up against what Dighton-Rehoboth has done and make a recommendation of what may or may not make sense for our district here in Pembroke," Chilcott said.

Superintendent Erin Obey clarified that the policy would not be specific to male students on female teams but would apply to any opposite-sex participation. She also noted that the district's current policy does not prohibit coaches or athletes from forfeiting contests, nor are there listed consequences for doing so.

Committee member David Boyle raised concerns about the impact of forfeits on team records, stating, "If you forfeit, it does count against your record." However, Obey countered that in instances of racial slurs or violence at games, coaches have willingly forfeited without consequences.

The committee voted unanimously to instruct the policy subcommittee to review the existing policy and similar policies from other districts, focusing on student safety for single-sex teams.

In other business, the committee grappled with significant budget constraints as they discussed conducting a playground safety audit for elementary schools. The proposed audit, estimated to cost $16,000, would assess equipment that hasn't been updated since 1999.

Committee members debated the necessity and potential implications of the audit findings. "The reality is kids are playing at recess every day," Obey said, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

Chilcott emphasized the tight budget situation, stating, "The fact that we are spending $16,000 tells you how tight this budget is. It tells you what fiscal year 26 is going to look like."

The committee agreed to explore funding options for the audit, including potentially seeking Community Preservation Committee funds. They also discussed the possibility of a multi-year approach to implementing any recommended improvements.

"In the course of the budget process, I think we inform the Town Manager that there will be a capital item for playground equipment," Chilcott suggested. "With a dollar value we don't yet know what it is because we are going to get the data to figure out what it is."

The committee plans to have its long-range planning subcommittee investigate the audit proposal further and consider potential funding sources.