Michigan High School Ruling

Women's Basketball, Oct 2004

A federal appeals court recently ruled the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) discriminated against certain female athletes due to some girls' sports being scheduled opposite other states.

The decision in the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2001 opinion in federal district court.

In Michigan, girls' basketball is played in the fall and Volleyball is played in the winter. Traditionally, girls' basketball is played in the winter and Volleyball in the fall in other states around the country.

The Communities for Equity group, comprised of parents of female athletes, filed a 1998 suit stating the scheduling of those sports hurts participating athletes.

The ruling will likely lead to changes in the scheduling of those sports in the state. In a statement, the MHSAA expressed disappointment with the decision and does not expect to make changes in its season for the coming school year.