Location dispute puts youth football hopes on hold

By Meghan Kalkstein KATU News and KATU.com Staff Published: Oct 29, 2009 at 11:02 PM PST Last Updated: Oct 30, 2009 at 10:10 AM PST
Location dispute puts youth football hopes on hold »Play Video
West Linn Mayor Patti Galle, left, discusses with a group of parents, coaches, and West Linn Youth board members Thursday night an argument to present to the Tualatin Valley Youth Football league. They want the league to let 45 kids play in this season's playoffs.

WEST LINN, Ore. – About 45 youth football players from eight teams in West Linn were told recently by their league they’d have to sit out this year’s playoffs because they live in the wrong city, sources told KATU News Thursday.
 
It’s all because of a boundary issue. Some of the kids may technically live in Wilsonville even though they have West Linn addresses.

Because of that they’re being told they’re not eligible for the playoffs by the Tualatin Valley Youth Football League.

Phone calls to the league Thursday were not returned.

Parents, coaches, West Linn Youth board members, and the mayor met Thursday night to try and find a solution. After the meeting board members said it all comes down to the interpretation of the bylaws and that the kids shouldn’t be taking the hit.

West Linn Mayor Patti Galle said the kids shouldn’t be penalized for an adult mistake and the bylaws need to be changed.

“I contacted our House State Rep. Scott Bruun, who I understand has been involved and talked with the board already.” She said she has also contacted State Sen. Richard Devlin and U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader.

Board members said they decided during Thursday night’s meeting they will read a statement to the Tualatin Valley Youth Football League on Sunday. They said they will explain how they interpret the bylaws and will ask for a league-wide vote in the hopes the decision will be reversed.