May 15, 2008 2:49 pm US/Eastern
Boy Benched After Mom Skips Concession Stand Shift
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
A mother claims her 7-year-old son was benched for two games because she was not able to cover the Freetown Little League's concession stand.
Jodie Hooper said she had to work the same night she was supposed to volunteer at the food stand and couldn't find anyone to cover for her. Hooper is new to Freetown, and says she didn't know who to contact to find a replacement.
Dave Brouillette, president of the Freetown Youth Athletic Association said the league depends on the concession stand to make money to maintain the fields. Brouillette said the league collects $30,000 from the concession stand each year.
According to Brouillette, parents with players in the league are required to volunteer one night a year. They even sign a contract at the beginning of the season.
He said the dates are scheduled in March to give parents enough advance notice.
Hooper said whole incident has been embarrassing for her son. He did not want to go to the games because he was benched, but Hooper told him he had to because he's part of a team.
"My main complaint is just the rule. It's nothing to do with the association," said Hooper. "It's nothing to do with what they have done. They've done a wonderful job."
She told WBZ's Bill Shields she wants the benching rule changed, so the kids don't have to be punished for their parents' mistakes. "Let's do something about this rule. It's not fair to our kids."
Brouillette said he doesn't like benching the kids, but it has to be done because he can't punish the parents. "Unfortunately, yeah, we are taking it out on the kid in the big scheme of things, but it is very difficult to punish a parent."
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