Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - September 12, 2024 - Massachusetts' Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District has forfeited a girls' field hockey game against Somerset Berkley Regional High School due to the presence of players of the opposite sex on its roster.

The decision was made after discussions between coaches and team captains.

The forfeit comes after a state policy allowing players and coaches to opt out of competitions against opposing teams that include a member of the opposite sex.

The district supports this decision as there are times when safety is more important than victory.

The district was involved in a similar controversy last year when a male player suffered significant facial and dental injuries during a game against Swampscott High School.

Team captain Kelsey Bain called on the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) to change its policy, stating that the stigma of boys playing on a girls' team may deter interest.

She suggested that school districts could institute co-op teams to create more opportunities for males to play in their own division.