A metropolis in Alabama is defending itself towards criticism following a youth basketball match the place the dad and mom of a fifth-grade ladies staff claimed they weren’t awarded the first-place trophy after defeating a boys leisure staff within the title sport as a result of they have been ladies.
Jayme Mashayekh, whose daughter performs in a aggressive ladies league representing Spain Park, wrote in a Fb put up final week that the staff of all Hoover Metropolis Faculty college students was instructed through the center of the season that they may now not use Hoover amenities to apply in except they paid to play within the district’s leisure league.
The town mentioned in a press release that in the identical match, a boys “elite staff” gained a championship and was not awarded a trophy. (Brett Carlsen/Getty Photos)
“They have been instructed to remain collectively as a staff they needed to play up a stage in competitors and play the fifth grade boys,” Mashayekh mentioned within the put up.
VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH FIRED AFTER IMPERSONATING PLAYER, 13, DURING GAME: REPORTS
She went on to say that earlier than the championship, the staff was instructed that they may take part however wouldn’t be awarded the trophy in the event that they gained.
“‘Excuse me? What?’ What did they do to get disqualified? Did they not pay their dues? Did they not play up a stage in competitors? Oh, it’s as a result of they’re GIRLS?!?!” Mashayekh wrote.
“So positive sufficient these fifth grade ladies performed their hearts out, left all of it on the ground and battled their male counterparts solely to be instructed, “No, I’m sorry you don’t depend.”
Mashayekh known as the state of affairs a “laborious lesson,” one which she didn’t consider “we must be educating our boys or ladies at the moment.”
Mashayekh known as the state of affairs a “laborious lesson,” one which she didn’t consider “we must be educating our boys or ladies at the moment.” (iStock)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
However the metropolis issued a press release on Monday, clarifying that the choice had nothing to do with the staff’s gender however relatively the Hoover Parks and Recreation Division (HPRD) guidelines.
“For a few years, HPRD has allowed ‘elite’ groups primarily based in Hoover to take part in tournaments it conducts. These ‘elite’ groups are usually not sought out by HPRD, however relatively they arrive to HPRD and ask to take part. Members of ‘elite’ groups are hand chosen. They don’t undergo the identical expertise analysis as those that take part on common recreation league groups. Due to this fact, ‘elite’ groups willingly conform to compete towards recreation groups in a unique division inside their grade stage or towards groups which can be above their grade stage to make sure honest competitors for all youth athletes.”
The assertion continued, “If an ‘elite’ staff participates in an HPRD youth match and makes it to the championship spherical, they don’t seem to be eligible to obtain any awards/trophies. Solely common recreation groups are eligible for awards/trophies.”
The assertion additionally famous that these groups “are made conscious of and agree” to the foundations that don’t enable them to gather trophies or awards in the event that they advance to a championship sport.
The town points a press release Monday clarifying that the choice had nothing to do with the staff’s gender however relatively the Hoover Parks and Recreation Division (HPRD) guidelines.
“It is very important be aware the identical provisions have at all times utilized to each ladies and boys ‘elite’ groups. HPRD has by no means handled any staff in a different way primarily based on gender or every other issue, aside from the “elite” standing of some groups.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The town additionally mentioned that in the identical match, a boys “elite staff” gained a championship and was not awarded a trophy.
“They weren’t eligible due to their ‘elite’ standing. This successful staff included the son of a Metropolis of Hoover elected official, which signifies the identical guidelines are utilized to all groups, no matter gender.”
The town mentioned it plans to overview its present insurance policies “to make sure competitors and recognition procedures are honest to all members” and likewise invited each successful groups to attend the Hoover Metropolis Council on Monday night “in order that they are often acknowledged for his or her latest victories.”
