Fifth-grade Catholic youth team forfeits season rather than kick girls off

[rug]

After fours years playing as girls and boys together, St. John's 5th grade CYO basketball team was told in January 2017 ago that the girls can no longer play.

Des Bieler
February 12, 2017, 9:44pm

For several years, a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) basketball team in New Jersey had included a pair of girls. But recently the squad, now in the fifth grade, was presented with a difficult choice: Drop the girls, per the archdiocese's rules, or forfeit the season.

The team's decision was unanimous. It was also courageous and inspiring.

Before a game Friday against a squad from another parish, the youngsters from St. John the Apostle decided to forgo their final two games, plus the postseason, rather than play without two longtime teammates. "It's not fair that we get to move on but they can't," one of the boys said afterward.

"It has a big impact on me because it shows that they care," one of the girls told NJ.com. "I'm part of them just as they're part of me, and they don't want to break that bond, just like I don't want to break that bond.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-catholic-boys-basketball-team-forfeits-20170212-story.html

[TexasProgresive]

1. Way to go kids- sticking together.

I wonder the reasoning of the archdiocese in this ruling.

[rug]

2. "I think the rules are ridiculous."

I don't think this is the last time the girl will say this to the Archbishop.

[TexasProgresive]

3. I'm impressed with the boys

This group must be a real team-sticking together even though it means the end of play.

[HockeyMom]

4. My daughter (Defense) and another girl (Goalie)

played on a Public School's Boys JV Ice Hockey Team 20 years ago. Yes, with Checking. Both Ice Hockey and Football are contact sports.

This school is way behind the times.

[meow2u3]

5. K&R for solidarity

And for the kids doing the right thing when the adults in charge are being patently unfair.

[rug]

6. UPDATE: Cardinal rules Catholic youth team can complete season with girls on roster

February 15, 2017, 11:36 PM
By Des Bieler
Washington Post

A Catholic Youth Organization basketball team in New Jersey that made national news when it chose to forfeit its season, rather than kick two girls off the squad, will be allowed to complete its schedule and compete in the playoffs with its roster intact.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/ct-cyo-youth-basketball-team-spt-20170215-story.html