In Springfield Township the game of football is a little different this season. Residents and football enthusiasts are debating about football leagues.

In January, a meeting was held to consider the possibility of Springfield youth playing for the Buckeye Youth Football (BYF) League as opposed to the Springfield Suburban Youth League (SSYL). Director of the SSYL, Ed Ellis took the idea back to the SSYL Board. After gathering information and considering all the options in April the board made a decision with a vote of 10- to-0 in favor of participating with the BYF.

The difference between the leagues narrows down to weight and age.        

In the BYF, there are no size restrictions so kids play by their grade level in school, not size or age. A child could be three years older than another.

The SSYL has size restrictions and are grouped by the child’s present age, not grade level and it is done in two-year increments.

The BYF has been in existence four years and has been successful in other locals such as Green, Revere, Tallmadge, Doylestown, Ellet and Northwest.

The SSYL has been in existence for 37 years.

Since the split, there has been turmoil and controversy.

SSYL Assistant Director Brad Hynde states that Springfield Athletic Director Kevin Vaughn intentionally excluded the SSYL from participating in as many assemblies (held at the schools to inform students about the league) as did the BYF. Hynde also said Vaughn did not pass out the SSYL materials in a timely manner.

Vaughn said the building principals were responsible for setting up the assemblies and that SSYL was possibly too late in asking for the times and flyers were passed out. 
Hynde said there are some legal actions pending for the recovery of equipment and money. He also said there is no record of the BYF filing as a non-profit.

Vince Mealy, a Springfield resident and Director of the Barberton YMCA, stated BYF is a more “all-inclusive” league because of the lack of a weight limit. 

“I like this set up because with the obesity problem among children today… these kids are not forced to ‘sit on the sidelines’ until they get older…at which time they may have lost interest in football, sports, or physical activity altogether,” said Mealy.

Larry Boso, parent in the BYF, stated that thanks to Ed Ellis and the board they now have a true feeder system in place to compete.

“No child is left behind, must be one of the greatest accomplishments that has came to youth football. No other youth league can say that,” he said.

Mealy said, “Green has co-existed with two leagues because they have large number. This will not work in Springfield because we do not have the total number of participants needed. We need to get behind one league and support it! I believe the Suburban Youth League in Springfield should probably re-examine whether or not two leagues is best for the Springfield area children in the long run.”

He added, “It was my understanding the ‘powers at be’ for football progress in the community thought this league was the best way to move toward after it was endorsed by a letter from Eldon McVicker, Green’s head football coach at the high school level until he retired last fall. Vic Whiting from Northwest also moved the Canal Fulton area to this type of league and he has had tremendous success over the past seven or eight years there at the high school level as a result.”

In a letter to Springfield Superintendent William Staufer and the board of education, Hynde stated the SSYL was requesting the resignation of Vaughn and that BYF is an illegal organization.

Both organizations are registering children (boys and girls) for football. Those involved in the controversy state they only want what is best for the kids.