Controversial Soccer Rule Faces Court Challenge

TUPELO, Miss. (AP) — A judge has been asked to stop enforcement of a state athletic group rule that a lawsuit alleges will prevent players on independent club teams from playing for their high schools.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports (http://bit.ly/14LXspr) that the lawsuit was filed this week in Lee County Chancery Court by 16 high school soccer players.

The Mississippi High School Activities Association adopted the rule for the 2012-2013 school year.

The rule forbids independent club teams from having more than 5 members from the same high school soccer team.

Associate director Rickey Neaves says the new rule will not “ruin” high school or independent teams.

A hearing for a temporary restraining order is next Tuesday before Chancellor Jacqueline Mask in New Albany.

Defendants with MHSAA are Tupelo Public School District and school district officials.