By Darrell Cuenca

January 31st, 2008

The Virginian Pilot

The superintendent of Virginia Beach’s public schools wants all of the city’s interscholastic soccer players to wear mouth guards this spring.

But Dr. James Merrill said this week if there’s enough opposition from parents, he’ll reconsider his stance.

“It’s a little short of a mandate right now,” Merrill said. “I’m very, very firm and interested, but I’m still listening to opinions and getting feedback.”

With less than a month until practice officially begins, a number of Beach District coaches have expressed opposition to Merrill’s decision, but they’ve declined comment and said repeatedly they’ve been advised not to speak out about the issue.

Numerous parents and players also disagree with Merrill’s position on mouth guards. No other district or city in the Eastern Region requires soccer players to wear mouth guards.

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