WHAT'S AT STAKE

For Michigan High Schools . . .

If federal courts determine the MHSAA must do what its members don't want and/or must order its members to do what they don't want, Michigan schools will lose the local authority defined by state courts to determine policies and procedures for voluntary, extracurricular interscholastic athletics.

For High School Associations Nationwide . . .

If the courts determine schools must mirror colleges in terms of the sports to sponsor, when to conduct them and under what rules, then there is not one statewide high school association in the country that could be found to conduct a lawful program; and colleges will determine the direction for high school sports.

For Individuals and Institutions . . .

If the courts determine a private organization which does not receive federal financial assistance even indirectly is subject to federal mandates which accompany federal funding, then all individuals and institutions risk losing the right to freely associate in a private, voluntary membership organization; and the U.S. Department of Justice, which is being allowed by the district court to participate like plaintiffs’ co-counsel in this case, is seeking to extend the reach of the federal government to determine the terms and conditions of all private relationships.