By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Being involved in a sport is often filled with both disappointments and victories.

In the case of children registered for fall soccer and football through local recreation departments, the disappointment is not from losing but from not being able to play games at all.

After all, the COVID-19 restrictions have prevented many teams from playing games in other towns. Also, a reduction in the number of children signed up will prohibit how many teams there will be.

The small victory is: this year the Naples Recreation Department will forego the fees involved with fall sports, and let the children participate for free.

On Monday, the Naples Board of Selectmen voted to waive all fees and to reimburse all families who have already paid.

This decision was made after listening to the Community Activities Director (CAD) Peter Ceprano. He talked about operating fall sports programs during the pandemic.

Basically, the number of participants has dropped. 

“When it comes to organized activities, you have to have a certain number of kids so it is meaningful,” Ceprano said.

The soccer program kicked off this week with 50 children signed up.

“Right now, we just started our soccer program today {Monday}. I am just hoping we can get through two weeks without the county going to yellow,” he said, referring to the status based on the number of positive cases of Coronavirus in the county.

Ceprano asked the board for guidance on the fee schedule. Already, the football registration was dropped from $65 to $35.

According to the Town of Naples Recreation and Activities website, there was no fee for soccer.

“We haven’t been in this situation before. I’ve started programs and I don’t know when they are going to end,” he said.

“If the CDC guidelines change, do I refund a portion? We are just giving them something to do. I don’t know what the right call is. What is the best way to handle this — the uncertainty,” Ceprano said.

Right now, 11 children are signed up for football.

Ceprano was asked if he thought eliminating the football fee would allow more families to participate. 

It’s possible, he said.

The board discussed using funding to cover any costs, and allowing families to register children for free. This will also mean extending the registration deadlines.

While the department took a hit in revenue, the costs will also down, Ceprano said. For example, there is no need to hire referees since Naples is not playing other towns, he said.