Parents, coaches and members of the community,   With the recent mandating of entry fees for youth basketball games at Watkins Middle School, it is with much regret that LHYA will not participate in games played at that facility for the remainder of this basketball season. Over the course of the holiday break, several attempts have been offered to suppress the fees, which have not been negotiated or accepted by the Watkins youth basketball program. Those options included all of the following:  

• Re-scheduling games located at Watkins facilities to other locations that do not force an entry fee.
• Options of per-game “buy-out” to cover the facility fees and to prevent LHYA members from being forced to pay and keeping the schedules business as usual.

  LHYA commends all the volunteers, parents and players trying to jump start the Watkins youth program for their district, however the current entry fee structure does not complement LHYA’s core value of keeping youth based sports free to attend.   As of January 7th, 2010, all LHYA games scheduled at Watkins facilities are cancelled. At this time LHYA, is working feverishly to reschedule games for all LHYA teams that are impacted. I ask that players and parents be patient and understanding during the rescheduling process. Be sure to regularly check your email inbox, league website and with your team coach for any re-scheduling updates.   It is very unfortunate that this facility requirement was not established during the planning stages of the basketball season. The impact has affected all affiliated youth basketball communities in some capacity. It is clearly understood that obstacles can come with new ventures and with that, LHYA will assist however it can with plans for next year.   J.R. Reams League President Licking Heights Youth Association