Joe Scapelitte, vice president and general manager of the Jamestown Chiefs semi-pro football team, says playing home games at night is a requirement of his team's league.
The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education, however, voted Tuesday not to allow the team to use Strider Field under the lights during its upcoming season.
Though Scapelitte said his team has met or surpassed all insurance and security requirements for use of the field - a fact not disputed by District Superintendent Daniel ''Deke'' Kathman - the board voted unanimously to keep the lights off for the 2009 season, which runs from June to around Labor Day. The team is still being granted use of the stadium, provided its games are under the sun.
The board raised many questions about the night-game proposal, not the least of which involved staying in good graces with the field's surrounding community. The board also questioned the logic of allowing a semi-pro team to use the field for a full season at night before the Jamestown Red Raiders have had the opportunity to do so.
''I'm more concerned about seeing our own things succeed first,'' board member Tim Thomas said. ''I'd be more comfortable phasing this kind of thing in after more than just one year.''
While Scapelitte said he understood the board's concerns, he did not agree with its stance.
''The (other teams in the league) are starting their games at 7:30 (p.m.), and they have the lights, and they've been in business for umpteen years running this league,'' he said. ''Why can't we in Jamestown do the same things they're doing? Why can't we be just as successful as they are?
''Do I understand you? Yes. But do I agree? That's another issue.''