Those middle-schoolers are then more likely to go to private schools that don’t face the same issue, prioritizing a place where they can play right away. Balter noted that 17 of 45 middle school youth players in town are already at a private school.
Balter acknowledged there are downsides, including socialization and transportation issues for middle-schoolers. At the same time, he believes there should be more consistency so every school has the same rules in place .
“It’s this cascading effect that happens, and that’s where we are now,” Balter said. “For us to build it back up, it would be great to be able to combine the younger kids into this somehow. I’m not saying this is some simple snap your fingers, but I think this should be relooked at all over again. Where can we come out on it?”
Wellesley athletic director John Brown believes COVID has had a ripple effect that is showing itself more than ever. While passionate lacrosse players continued to play the sport during the pandemic, others decided to stop; those who did so casually in fifth grade are now 10th-graders who have no desire to return.