Dighton-Rehoboth Girls Field Hockey Team Forfeits Upcoming Game Because of Opposite-Sex player on Somerset-Berkley Team

In it’s first decision after a new policy was implemented earlier this year, the coaches and captains of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School girls field hockey team have opted out of an upcoming game because of an opposite-sex player on the opposing team.

The Dighton Rehoboth team was set to play Somerset-Berkely Regional High School on September 17th but in a statement issued by Dighton-Rehoboth Superintendent Bill Runey, the school chose safety over playing.

“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,” wrote Runey.

The Sun Chronicle reported that the D-R school committee met on June 25th and voted without opposition to add the language to the policy that speaks to protecting students who play sports:

“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,” committee Chair Christopher Andrade said in an email. “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.”

The policy update comes after a female Dighton-Rehoboth field hockey player was badly injured by a male field hockey player on the Swampscott High School team during a playoff match last November.

Dighton-Rehoboth school committee member Katie Ferreira-Aubin told us about her decision to vote for the new policy:

“I am extremely proud to be a part of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee who passed policy JJB with new language to support athletes and coaches who do not want to play/coach a team with the opposite sex. Players/coaches who do not wish to participate for any reason (mainly safety) will not have consequences with loss of job, playing time or starting status. DR passed this policy unanimously (10-0) with our superintendent Bill Runey voicing his support in open meeting.

This is NOT about sexuality or trans children. It’s about biology. Nothing more, nothing less. I am proud this policy gives our athletes and coaches a voice and a choice and a personal decision on this issue. I am hopeful other districts will follow and allow their athletes and coaches the same choice.”