WEST HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Spectators are no longer able to attend some local youth basketball games in West Hazleton. The ban follows an incident that took place during a recent game.
On Saturday, parents and members of the Basketball League are speaking out.
Parents, players, and officials of the West Hazleton Youth Basketball League never expected their season to take a turn like this, but after a couple of recent developments, no spectators are allowed to watch the kids play.
West Hazleton Youth Basketball League Senior Division player Jeremiah and Junior Division player Joseph Ortiz are two of more than a hundred basketball players of the West Hazleton Youth Basketball League.
“I love basketball,” Jeremiah stated.
What Jeremiah and his brother love just as much is looking into the stands and seeing their family cheering them on.
“My uncles, my aunts everybody in my family,” Joseph added.
The league uses Hazleton Area School District facilities to play their games.
But on February 13, the school board put a stop to that after what parents say was a fight that took place at a recent game after a previous one last year.
“When I heard that, I wanted to quit,” Jeremiah continued.
The school district shared the following statement with 28/22 News:
The Hazleton Area School District wishes to address inquiries regarding the decision to not permit spectators at the West Hazleton Youth Basketball League (WHYBL) events held in our facilities.
This decision was made after careful consideration of several factors, including previous incidents that our staff have encountered over the past few years. In one instance, a staff member was injured during a situation. Our priority is to ensure that our student-athletes participate in a safe and secure environment, free from any disruptions.
It is important to note that the WHYBL is a guest utilizing our facilities and is not a School District-sponsored league. As such, facility rentals are contingent upon maintaining a safe and respectful environment. The alternative to this decision would have been to cancel the remainder of the season, which we did not want for our student-athletes.
We understand the importance of community support and will reassess this decision for the future.
Superintendent Hazleton Area School District Dr. Brian Uplinger
“It wasn’t that big. I didn’t think my son was in threat,” said Jose Ortiz.
Jose, the boy’s father, was there the night of the recent incident.
He says he wants to see his sons continue to play no matter what.
“Before the ban, you got a parent or guardian here, 18? Are you 18? Make sure these things happen before they even step onto the court,” West Hazleton Basketball League Coach Miguel Calberon said.
A copy of the league’s parent and player contract states a parent or guardian 18 years old or older must be present on game day.
Calberon has a son and daughter who play in the league. He’s also coached in the junior division for the last three years.
“It was heartbreaking very much heartbreaking. This is for the kids and that’s what we do this for,” West Hazleton Basketball League Vice President Joseph Cramond said.
The league’s vice president of 10 years says they have lost nearly 40% of players since the ban.
Jeremiah plans on playing but will miss the connection he had with his father at the games.
“Every time a quarter ends, he comes over do this do that. I love that about him,” Jeremiah explained.
28/22 News interviewed several other parents on Saturday who are all heartbroken by the attendance ban and worry about the league’s future.
Cramond says he’s concerned with how fundraisers will be run the rest of the season.
He says they are now live-streaming the basketball games privately on the league’s Facebook page.
