Wilton Field Hockey Controversy Brewing

To the Editor:

The Wilton Field Hockey Community received an email from the Wilton Field Hockey Association's  (WFHA) Board of Directors (aka Lisa Roman) which was highly inappropriate. As the parent of two Wilton children, I am shocked by the email sent because it is gravely inaccurate and an abuse of power, which apparently gives Lisa authority to email false claims and statements to the Wilton Field Hockey Community.

The desire and intent to create a youth program that is similarly structured to the other youth programs in Wilton was discussed with Lisa and the rest of the WFHA board (there is documentation to this fact) prior to the announcement being made public. Furthermore it was the WFHA that failed to give the youth volunteers the time and the appropriate support that the board claims is such a “high priority” to the youth program. It is important to keep in mind that it’s the youth volunteers who execute ALL facets of the program NOT the WFHA board.

It is also stated that the WFHA sees to it that the youth program’s “needs are met.” Met? As a parent I want the youth player’s needs exceeded. That is EXACTLY what having a Youth Field Hockey program that is not overshadowed by the WFHA’s commitment and focus to the state championship team will provide. 

The WFHA should welcome this fresh and dedicated focus to the Youth Field Hockey players. The new  program is founded on the premise that they would like to provide support (financial and other) and work WITH the current WFHA, however, it certainly does not seem that this board wants to maintain the “One Town, One Team” philosophy that our successful youth programs strive for.

In summary, there are statements in the email from Lisa that are simply not true and I am shocked that the WFHA's Board allowed it to be sent to the Wilton Field Hockey community without the proper due diligence concerning the accuracy and tone of the message.

LT Scarfi

The Letter in Question

Ed's note: The following letter was sent out by the Wilton Field Hockey Association last week. 

Dear Wilton Field Hockey Parent:

Recently, a small group of parents announced the creation of “Wilton Youth Field Hockey” to seize overall management of the youth program of the Wilton Field Hockey Association.  The Board of the WFHA wants you to know that the formation and activities of this new organization were undertaken without the knowledge or approval of the Wilton Field Hockey Association or the Wilton High School Athletic Department.  In fact, their actions were intentionally concealed from the Association until their public announcement this past week.  Most importantly, this attempt to significantly alter the management of Wilton’s youth field hockey program was carried out without an open discussion among the Wilton field hockey community. 

We find it ironic that this new organization chose this direction at a time when the Wilton Field Hockey community is at one of its proudest moments with the winning of the 2011 CT State Championship.  Furthermore, we surmise this organization was formed in complete secrecy because had it been brought forward in the open, the Field Hockey community would be compelled to ask one simple question:  Why?

The Wilton Field Hockey Association [WFHA] is the only recognized booster organization for all of field hockey in the town of Wilton, from grade 4 through 12.  The current WFHA Board of Directors collectively has over 45 years of experience coaching, directing and administering all levels of field hockey in our town.  They work closely with the Wilton High School field hockey coaching staff and coaching community throughout the region to create the best possible environment for success at all age levels.  The WFHA has always placed the highest priority on the youth programs and seen to it that their needs are met.  

The Wilton Field Hockey Association will continue to manage Wilton’s 7^th and 8^th Grade Travel Field Hockey program for the following reasons:

• This is a High School preparatory program for dedicated, serious players and it requires focused attention to the skills necessary to compete at the high school level and beyond. 
• Only a High School derived board  has the access to the High School program, its players, coaches and fields
• This program has allowed Wilton to consistently produce the caliber and character of players that have resulted in two Connecticut State Championship Varsity teams in five years and, for the second year in a row, an undefeated Junior Varsity team!

In the coming days, members of the Wilton Field Hockey Association will begin discussions on the future of the 4th-6^th grade program which we consider essential to the discovery of the sport of field hockey in our town.  We are always exploring new ways to improve the phenomenally successful and thriving youth program so are considering a number of options.  We welcome any input from parents and players alike. 
We, the directors of WFHA, take seriously our mission to provide a positive experience for young athletes to learn and play the sport and will continue to uphold the principles of the WFHA, conform to its bylaws, and most importantly encourage and support all of our student athletes. 

• We are cognizant of our obligation to those who came before us to ensure that the youth and future of Wilton Field Hockey are in the right hands. 
• We will continue to strengthen the direct connection between the youth programs and the high school programs, an area in which huge strides have been made under the stewardship of the current WFHA board.
• We will build on the program’s success and promote the sport of field hockey in our town so that girls can have fun and continue to enjoy the sport.

We welcome all questions and comments.  Please contact Lisa Roman, WFHA President.*

Thank you,

 
Wilton Field Hockey Association Board of Directors

The WFHA is a duly registered 501.c.3 Not for Profit Corporation, and as such its financials are a matter of public record.

Ed.'s note: the author of the letter to the editor on this page did not provide Patch with the WFHA's email.

*email redacted