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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2001
Contact: John Johnson or Jack Roberts
517.332.5046 or www.mhsaa.com

Here is some additional information related to the decision issued Monday by the U.S. Federal District Court in Kalamazoo in the case involving the placement of sports seasons that was unfavorable to MHSAA member schools and their students.

1. The District Court found that the MHSAA determined the sports seasons for Michigan high schools, has the authority and control to change those seasons, and must do so to comply with Federal and State law.

2. The District Court has found that six girls sports are not conducted in the most advantageous seasons, and that the MHSAA must submit a plan by May 24, 2002 for a new schedule for sports seasons by 2003-04 that is consistent with the Court's Opinion.

3. The District Court has not required sports seasons for girls and boys to be at the same time of year.

4. The District Court has not required any specific sport season to be changed.

5. The MHSAA is filing a Motion for Stay and Notice of Appeal with the District Court. The Appeal would be considered by the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati.

6. Concurrently, while the Motion for Stay is pending, MHSAA staff will participate in a series of meetings with its constituents - students, coaches, administrators, school boards, leagues, officials and others - to develop proposals and consensus for new sports seasons, should that be necessary after all appeals are exhausted.

7. Any description of future sports season placement is premature and mere speculation.

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