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FHSAA Recinds Policy; High School Games Return
July 16, 2009
The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted unanimously yesterday to rescind a new policy that would have reduced the number of games played in most high school sports.
The policy would have reduced varsity games by 20 percent and junior varsity games by 40 percent in most sports in an effort both to alleviate the financial crisis facing school districts and provide a uniform solution across the state. Varsity football was the one sport spared by cuts announced last April, with the schedule the next two years remaining at 10 games per year.
Since sports involving female athletes were all cut, many called foul, with a lawsuit claiming the policy amounted to gender discrimination under a law called Title IX. On Tuesday, the U.S. Justice Department and Department of Education filed a motion to join the lawsuit. Title IX prevents discrimination based upon gender in public schools.
The FHSAA was made aware of a possible Title IX violation and litigation in June, and worked diligently to be in compliance with Title IX. Since no compromise could be reached, a recommendation was made to hold a Board meeting to consider rescinding the amendments to the policy, the FHSAA said in a news release.
“I believe what we did in April was the best thing for the membership then, and given the situation, what we did today was in its best interest now,” said Board of Directors President Greg Zornes.
“I know there have been a lot of blogs and news articles about the FHSAA and this particular issue regarding gender equity. In actuality, the FHSAA is recognized by its peer members from other states as leading the nation in terms of providing equal and equitable opportunities for both boys and girls in high school,” said FHSAA Executive Director Roger Dearing. “We were yesterday, are today, and will be tomorrow, advocates for both boys and girls equally in creating life experiences that will make them healthier, happier and more competitive, while at the same time creating memorable experiences they will have for a lifetime.”
A temporary injunction meeting in the lawsuit is still scheduled for Friday, July 17. What impact, if any, the Board’s decision will have on that meeting is unknown.
The new policy would have seen baseball, basketball, softball and volley ball cut from 25 games to 20 allowed per year. At the JV level, those sports would have been cut from 25 maximum games per year to just 15. Junior varsity football teams would have been allowed to play six games rather than eight, while varsity football teams would have remained at 10 games per year.
The maximum number of games in other sports, such as track and field, golf and cross country, were also cut.
Pictured above: Sarah Killam, member of Northview High School’s Cross Country team, rounds the corner toward the finish line in a race last September. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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