Mom wants to know if basketball change has impacted others

My daughter has played basketball for at least four seasons here in Jackson and we have never had a problem. This is the first year that the Recreation Department decided to allot one hour for practice, the same night each week, for the entire season for her age group. Practices used to be all over the board, which I thought was practical since certain times are not good for all people.

This year my daughter's time is 6-7 p.m. Wednesday. This is the only hour my daughter has something to do at this time of year.

When the coach called and told us this, I immediately called the Recreation Department and spoke with [a woman]. I had requested to switch teams before the season even started so that we could make the practice. She looked into the matter promptly and got back to me to say no switches were allowed and since this is a rec team, the coaches should play you regardless. If not, get back to them.

I was going to accept that answer, but then I thought about next season and we may run into the same problem should they keep this policy. I waited a week or two and e-mailed the director of recreation, Steven Eisenstein, and he told me most people have responded favorably to this change.

I spoke with people whose children have CCD that night or other functions and are in the same situation

as I am. Two weeks after the season started, the Recreation Department offered to change teams, but it was too late for us. Our coach was kind enough to schedule an additional practice and made a special attempt to contact us so that my daughter could be there and meet her team before the first game.

Anyway, I am looking for anyone else whose child is affected by this change to contact Mr. Eisenstein at 732-928-1200, ext. 247, or e-mail him at recdept@jacksontwpnj. net. He may be right, I am the only one bothered by this change, but if not, we need to let him know.
Janet McNamara
Jackson