D-R Forfeits Field Hockey Game Due to Athletic Policy

In a press release sent on Monday, the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District has notified Somerset Berkley Regional High School that they will be forfeiting the Field Hockey contest scheduled for September 17.

The new Interscholastic Athletics policy, which was approved by the Regional School Committee on June 25, allows players and/or coaches to opt out of competitions or any part thereof against an opposing team because that team includes a member of the opposite sex.

“Our Field Hockey coaches and captains made this decision, and we notified our opponent accordingly,” said Superintendent Bill Runey. “The District supports this decision as there are times where we have to place a higher value on safety than on victory. We understand this forfeit will impact our chances for a league championship and possibly playoff eligibility, but we remain hopeful that other schools consider following suit to achieve safety and promote fair competition for female athletes.”

The policy reads, in part:

The School Committee is aware that team participation in athletic contests by members of the  student body requires that "away games" be scheduled. It also recognizes that there is a need to  regulate certain aspects of student participation in such contests. Therefore, the Superintendent  will establish regulations to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff members who  participate in these activities. 

 No coach of a single-sex team shall be penalized by the District for forfeiting a match against an opposing team because such team includes athletes of the opposite sex.

No student athlete on a single-sex team shall be penalized by the District in any manner for refusing to play in a match or any part thereof against an opposing team because that team includes a member of the opposite sex.  For the purposes of this paragraph, a “penalty” includes but is not limited to loss of playing time or loss of starting status.