The forfeiture in Arizona Charter Athletic Association state championship at Phoenix College was explained as a religious objection to the girl based on the fundamentalist beliefs of the Catholic school. Of course, this is not a contact sport but the mere presence of a girl on the field appears to be a religious obscenity for the school. Many were shocked by this Talibanesque moment but the school is staying mum on the issue.
Our Lady of Sorrows is run by the U.S. branch of the Society of Saint Pius X which opposes the reforms of the Vatican II Council in the 1960s and broke with the Catholic Church in the 1980s.
As someone raised Catholic, I have no idea where such a religious objection comes from. Notably, in the prior two games against Our Lady of Sorrows, Paige didn’t play out of respect for the opposing teams religious beliefs. I am not sure I would have recommended such an accommodation. I do not see why Mesa must adopt a sexist rule out our deference to another school when there appears no segregation of genders on these teams under league rules.
Mesa Prep athletic director Amy Arnold “I respect their views, but it’s a bit out of the 18th century.” I would say that that is a bit harsh for 18th Century people.
Our Lady of Sorrows may find play a bit more to its liking in the Tehran league.
Source: AZ Central