Athletic director raises safety concerns after seven concussions; board to weigh switching boys lacrosse to JV season

Schuylkill Valley’s athletic director, Jason, told the board he has serious safety concerns for the high‑school boys lacrosse program after reviewing rosters and injury history. He said 17 students expressed interest in playing this year but only 10 upperclassmen remain, while freshmen make up a large share of prospective players.

“Last year we had 7 concussions, from 7 different players,” Jason told the board, citing the program’s injury history and the physical demands of lacrosse. He recommended pausing a varsity schedule in favor of a junior‑varsity season for one or more years to ensure players compete against opponents of comparable size and experience while the program rebuilds.

Board members discussed equipment maintenance, helmet reconditioning, booster support for starter kits, scheduling with other schools and eligibility rules. Several members expressed safety concerns and cautioned that playing a varsity schedule now could lead to injuries that deter future participation.

Why it matters: The board’s decision affects player safety, competitive opportunities for seniors, scheduling logistics and the sustainability of the lacrosse program. The athletic director and administrators said time is of the essence for scheduling adjustments for the upcoming season.

Next steps
Board leadership asked Jason to consult with senior players and parents and return with a recommendation at next week’s meeting so the board can consider a formal motion (if necessary) and allow the athletic department time to adjust schedules.