Despite a unanimous court decision ruling Michigan sports seasons must be changed, the Michigan High School Athletic Association is carrying on the legal fight.
The MHSAA, in an Aug. 4 press release, announced it will appeal a July 27 decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In that decision, a three-person panel upheld a Dec. 17, 2001 U.S. District Court ruling that some sports seasons of Michigan schools must be changed.
Communities for Equity, a Grand Rapids-based group, originally filed a lawsuit in 1998. Their suit sought to put all girls and boys sports in the same seasons ? which would affect basketball, golf, soccer, swimming and diving ? and move girls volleyball from winter to fall.
Their suit contended the scheduling of some girls sports, most notably basketball and volleyball, hurt potential college recruits in Michigan, since colleges and universities traditionally play volleyball in the fall and basketball in the winter.
‘Ending the litigation now will not make life easier ? it will lead to more litigation for schools and less respect from the membership.? MHSAA executive director John E. ‘Jack? Roberts said in a statement. ‘Athletes, parents, coaches, officials and administrators are disappointed with last week’s ruling; they’re worried, but they want us to keep trying because they have experienced the benefits of the current setup.?
Brandon athletic director Larry Lamphere said he is pleased to see the MHSAA appeal.
‘I’m hoping they continue their fight and are successful, because I don’t think we’re ready to switch seasons,? he said.
Lamphere also said if the seasons switch takes effect, girls would have to choose between sports (he cited girls golf and cheerleading as an example), which would weaken girls teams in the long run.
Goodrich High School athletic director Al Martus said he is not surprised to see the MHSAA appeal the decision. ‘I think they’re going to fight it until they get the final decision,? he said.
While Martus said he doesn’t believe girls are hurt by the current setup, he also said ‘whatever the courts decide, we’ll support.?