07/28/2026
Good Afternoon Parents,
We've been made aware of social media posts by a disgruntled parent within SYFA Smithsburg Leopards based on a decision made by our Executive Board.
We chose to take the high road by simply stating they would not be playing in our league this year but apparently that's not enough.
SYFA Leopards had nowhere to play as their only option was to either be combined under Catoctin to play in that org, which they didn't want, or ask if they could be a team in our league, again, and reached out to us as a last resort. We agreed and we welcomed them back.
As we started reviewing registration, we found multiple children registered incorrectly-multiple 3yr olds in K-2 Flag and (3) more 4th graders attempted to being placed with the JV squad (5/6 graders) because they didn't have enough registrants for a P*e Wee team. We gave them the benefit of the doubt, pointed it out and asked the parents be refunded for the 3yr olds and offered another PW team for the soon to be 4th graders. The response to us was no league follows their own bylaws, let them play up. Their board, which was to be dissolved upon joining us, proceeded to comb through our bylaws convinced they could use scenarios to their benefit but nowhere in our bylaws does it state a PRE-K 3yr old can play in K-2, nor do they allow a P*e Wee age child to play as a 5/6 JV. But there is a bylaw stating anyone caught falsifying information in any aspect for a player/cheer, they are expelled immediately, but we still offered them the chance to correct the situation. Some of the children in question were SYFA Board members' children and according to leadership were entitled to stay together. This is about safety, not who deserves what. We repeatedly requested it to be rectified and instead we were met with demands, disrespect and berating of our league's integrity. Our Exec Board met and decided as a league we couldn't risk anyone's safety and since they continued to flagrantly disregard the bylaws, we couldn't in good conscience continue.
In support of the families who had no part of this, we offered another team as an alternative for this season so their child didn't have to sit out. Some have closen to accept, others have received their registration fee refunds.
In direct contrast of what has been posted, every email has been responded to, including the rude and disrespectful ones that we stated we wouldn't, unless we are at work through the day.
We will never be able to convince the ones who feel wronged otherwise, so this will be the only release we put out there.
WCJFL has been in existence since 1966, we are here for Washington County as a whole, but Smithsburg left our league twice (first choice by them, this time by our choice) because they don't like the safety rules and have only come back when no other organization would accept them. We can not help them at this point, other than to offer the parents who would like to stay, another team to play on for this season.
If that's grounds for a parent to continue to bash us, as well as personal attacks, well then so be it. 🤷♀️
As a side note, as President of the league I don't have a vote unless there is a tie on the matter, but anyone who read our bylaws would know that.
Thank you for coming to our TED talk and we hope everyone realizes the children's safety is of the utmost importance.
See you at practice! 🏈🎊
Thanks.
WCJFL
