A new policy in Carlynton School District may spell the end for the Carlynton Little Cougars, says the vice president of the youth football and cheerleading organization.

"If we did not accept kids from outside the school district, we would not be able to field teams," John Sciulli said.

He said the Little Cougars are mostly Carlynton youngsters -- from Carnegie, Rosslyn Farms and Crafton -- but many come from Pittsburgh's Crafton Heights neighborhood and other surrounding communities.

Even with those children, though, he said the organization's five teams, divided by age level, average 20 to 25 children each. Eliminate the kids from outside the school district and the teams could be hard put to play games, he said, and they certainly would have a hard time practicing.

The new policy, approved by the Carlynton school board last Thursday, requires that organizations draw 90 percent of their population from the school district to use school facilities. It also sets a fee of $100 per quarter for children from outside the district.

Board member Tom DiPietro, who has had several children involved in youth sports, pushed hard for the new policy, saying he is concerned that Carlynton children are not getting full opportunities because of the numbers of outside children involved.

Board members also said they were concerned that children from outside the district were causing wear and tear on Carlynton facilities while their families' taxes support other school districts.

Mr. Sciulli said this week that he understood that concern but he believes the $5,000 fee the organization already pays the district more than covers the expenses incurred by the district in caring for the grass field in Crafton where the Little Cougars play.

One possibility would be for the Little Cougars to find another place to play, and Mr. Sciulli noted that the organization is close to raising the $50,000 it needs to build a small stadium. But he also said the organization wants to keep its connection with the school district.

"My son goes to Carlynton, is proud to be part of Carlynton, loves being a Carlynton Little Cougar," Mr. Sciulli said. "We want to be part of the district."