Pushback to proposal that would allow more boys to try out for girls high school sports teams

Rochester, N.Y. (WROC) — Some school districts are expressing concern over a proposal coming out of Albany that could dramatically change who can play what sport in high school.

The proposal from the New York State Department of Education would allow any student male or female to try out for any sports team male or female if the district doesn’t have separate teams in that sport.

For example, right now flag football is a growing sport for girls with many high schools in our area creating teams.

Under this proposed change, boys could try out for the team if their high school doesn’t offer a boys flag football team.

Dr. Robert Zayas, executive director for New York State Public High School Athletic Association, says there does not appear to be any physical test or thresholds attached to this, which he says might lead to more injuries.

“There’s always a concern that if you have an above average male that’s 6 ft. 3 in., 185 pounds, playing girls flag football, I think we do have to be concerned about the safety of those student athletes. Now, I keep on hearing that there could just as easily be a 6 ft. 3 in., 185-pound female playing flag football, however, we’re focused on minimizing risk associated with participation and that’s why current regulation does just that, it minimizes the risk,” Zayas said.

Current regulation allows individual school district to decide on a case-by-case basis whether a boy can play on a girls team or vice versa.

In its proposal , NYSED said it “is committed to providing athletes of all genders equal opportunities to play and participate in extra class athletic activities, as athletics are a vital part of any student’s education. This includes promoting equality between separate male and female athletic programs and encouraging mixed gender teams.”

But Zayas says NYSPHSAA worries the move will jeopardize the integrity of girls sports.

“We did not want to see female student athletes displaced as a result of a very unrestrictive rule that would give boys the ability to try out,” Zayas says. “We feel that the current regulation that allows a school district to determine whether a boy will have a significant adverse effect upon the opportunities of females to participate is the right regulation and that’s what we’re advocating for, is keep the regulation the way it right now.”

The public comment period for this proposal ends Sunday.

You can send comments to regcomments@nysed.gov .

Zayas says the Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on the measure on September 25 and, if approved, it could take effect immediately.

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