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Parents sue FHSAA over scheduling change

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The Associated Press

Published: June 16, 2009

JACKSONVILLE - A group of parents on Tuesday sued the Florida High School Athletic Association, alleging that a new scheduling rule designed to save money discriminates against female student-athletes.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Jacksonville by six Florida parents on behalf of their minor daughters.

The parents took issue with the FHSAA's new policy, which would cut the number of varsity games in sports, according to the court documents. Football is exempt from the policy change, and the parents, who are members of a group Florida Parents for Athletic Equality, believe that violates the Title IX federal law mandating equal opportunities for female athletes, the documents state.

Earlier this year, FHSAA board of directors voted to cut the number of varsity games by 20 percent and all other play by 40 percent through the 2010-11 school year. The rule change was developed as a way to cut costs for Florida high school athletic departments, which are facing tough budget constraints.

"If you're going to make cuts, you have to do it in an equitable way. The most surprising thing is that this wasn't considered before," said Nancy Hogshead-Makar, who is representing the group in the suit.

The plaintiffs in the case are seeking injunctions that would prevent the new policy from being implemented.

When reached about the lawsuit earlier in the week, FHSAA spokeswoman Cristina Alvarez said in an e-mail that the organization would have no comment. A telephone message left at after-hours at the FHSAA offices in Gainesville was not returned Tuesday night, and Alvarez did not immediately respond to another e-mail seeking comment.

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