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Parents and students ask Oyster River board to reverse exclusion of seventh-grade player from boys lacrosse
Summary
A family told the board their seventh-grade daughter, who has played boys lacrosse five years, was barred two days before the season; parents and supporters argued the district's reliance on RSA 19341 and a Title IX contact-sport exception reflected a discretionary choice rather than a legal mandate.
A seventh-grade student and her family urged the Oyster River board on March 31 to reverse a decision that barred the girl from participating on the middle-school boys lacrosse team two days before the season began.
Lauren Haley described the district's timeline: school officials were aware in the fall the student planned to play, but two days before the season the athletic director informed the family the player would not be allowed to participate. The family said initial justification cited RSA 19341; after the family sought outside legal and governing-body guidance, the district cited a Title IX contact-sport exception in guidance that gives districts discretion for contact sports. "At its core, this issue is about fairness and equal opportunity," Lauren Haley said, adding that a girls lacrosse team is not an equitable substitute because the girls' and boys' games are different.
Seventh-grader Ren Haley spoke directly to trustees: "I'm not asking for special treatment. I just want the chance to keep playing the sport I love on my team," she said, describing five years of experience playing on boys teams and saying she has trained and competed safely.
Kevin Haley, who until two days before the season had been the head coach, said he resigned after the decision and argued the athletic director had acknowledged Ren's capability. "This is not a question of safety or skill. This is a decision based solely on sex," he said. Supporters said they had collected more than 350 petition signatures and referenced USA Lacrosse guidance and New Hampshire Youth Lacrosse Association rules that allow girls to play using boys' rules in some circumstances.
Community speakers and parents pressed the board to revisit the district's application of the Title IX contact-sport exception and asked for board support in reconsideration. Several speakers recommended the district consider reclassifying teams or allowing evaluations on ability rather than relying on team designation alone.
Why it matters: The dispute raises legal and policy questions about athletic opportunities, Title IX interpretation and local discretion. Speakers invoked federal regulation 34 C.F.R. ' 106.41 and cited RSA 19341 as it was described to them. The board did not reverse the decision during the meeting; the matter was raised as public comment and supporters asked for further administrative review and board backing.
What's next: The family requested administrative reconsideration and board support; trustees did not immediately reverse the decision at the meeting. The family said they will continue to pursue administrative review and community advocacy.
