Former Fredonia school board member voices concerns with tackle football
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Football season is underway again in Western New York, but at least one member of the Fredonia school community is not happy about it.
Michael Bobseine recently sent a letter to Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox and the Fredonia Board of Education detailing concerns with tackle football as a school sport. Board of Education President Steve Johnston read a response to Bobseine's letter at a recent meeting.
Bobseine is a former Fredonia Board of Education president and a district taxpayer. He referenced a New York Times article that highlighted concerns surrounding tackle football, specifically focused on traumatic brain injuries such as concussions.
In his letter to the district, Bobseine suggested that Fredonia should end its tackle football program. Doing so would transition football to a club sport rather than a school supported activity, just like hockey is offered with the Dunkirk-Fredonia Steelers. District taxpayers would no longer be relied on to fund the program, and the school would have no direct involvement with the team.
Zilliox summarized Bobseine's letter, stating that Bobseine is aware that his opinion is not a popular one in the community.
"He recognized that, in the moment, our board and myself probably will not elect to end our tackle football program or move in a different direction," Zilliox said. "But he urged us to acknowledge a number of his points on the topic."
Bobseine recognized the district's concussion protocols in place, which were updated in recent years. Bobseine, however, believes the district is not strict enough in attempting to prevent traumatic brain injuries.
The Board responded to Bobseine's concerns by stating, "Student safety remains our highest priority across all district programs. ... We look to both New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) for guidance and support."
The board stated the information Bobseine shared touches on the "complex legal, medical, and policy considerations" surrounding high school athletics. The board stated, "Our district, along with our legal counsel, is continually monitoring trends in the educational field and considering adjustments as needed."
The board thanked Bobseine for reaching out to voice his concerns, especially for his "continued investment" in the students of Fredonia even after his time on the Board of Education concluded.
Board of Education Vice President Sheila Hahn said, "I appreciate Mr. Bobseine's letter, and I think it's in keeping with our mission and vision that we open our minds. I might jump to a conclusion about something, but we should all sit with that and really have open minds."