Following Pressure from Rose, Gounardes and Brannan, Mayor Reverses Course on Fall Youth Sports Permits

Statement

Following pressure from Congressman Max Rose, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Council Member Justin Brannan for the New York City Parks Department to issue youth sports permits for the Fall, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that after weeks of delay, his administration will begin issuing permits.

"After weeks of unnecessary frustration from families across this city, I am glad the Mayor heard our calls and came to his senses," Rose said. "This is good news for all the kids, families, and leagues that have been trying to safely play this fall. The delay never made sense, like everything with this Mayor, but finally we can give back the fun fall season that our kids need and deserve."

"This is a victory for children and families who were looking for a safe, healthy outlet - but it shouldn't have taken public pressure to get it right the first time," Gounardes said. "Low-to-moderate risk youth sports have been allowed by the State since July, and the Parks Department's last-minute decision not to issue youth fall sports permits caused undue stress for families. Still, I am glad that the kids will be allowed to play in their fall leagues. This is a common sense decision that will have a positive impact on equity, health and safety."

"I'm glad the Mayor listened to our calls for common sense and safety when it comes to our parks," Brannan said. "This will not only give kids the opportunity to get some good exercise and learn life lessons from organized sports but it will also bring better Covid-19 safety practices to our parks. This is a win-win for our kids and for our community efforts to defeat the virus."

Rose is a strong supporter and advocate for youth sports leagues. In May, Rose introduced legislation to provide necessary relief for youth sports leagues and working families by expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to include all fees and costs associated with youth sports and activities, and by authorizing a new relief fund for youth sports providers, programs, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is endorsed by the PLAY Sports Coalition, representing 3,000+ youth sports related organizations.

Last spring, with the Staten Island Soccer League season in doubt due to a lack of maintenance at Miller Field, Rose and Staten Island Borough President James Oddo announced that after weeks of hard work and uncertainty, they forged a resolution together with the Staten Island Soccer League and National Park Service that allowed the soccer season to start on time for the first time in years.

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