MSHSAA Grants Temporary Exception for Girls Soccer Non-School Competition Following Strong Member School Support
COLUMBIA – In a continued effort to promote fairness and equitable opportunities for all student-athletes, Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad has granted a temporary exception to By-Law 13.3.2 for girls soccer. Effective immediately, student-athletes participating in girls soccer may engage in non-school competitions from March 3, 2025, until March 19, 2025, the day before the first-allowable contest.
Schools do not need to report student participation in non-school competitions during this period. However, all spring sport student-athletes must still complete 14 conditioning practices before they are eligible for competition.
This decision follows a thorough examination by MSHSAA and strong support from MSHSAA member schools, as reflected in the Annual Questionnaire, which just closed on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. One of the key issues considered was whether to extend an exception to the non-school competition restriction for girls soccer players during the period from the first-allowable practice through the day before the first-allowable contest.
Key Findings from the Annual Questionnaire:
- 44% of MSHSAA member schools participated in the survey.
- 51.6% of high schools and combined member schools responded.
- A resounding 83.3% of responding schools supported allowing this exception for girls soccer.
While by-laws cannot be formally changed until all member schools vote on the Annual Ballot, the strong support from membership signals a positive step toward providing equity for student-athletes. Given this widespread approval and the start of the season, MSHSAA is granting immediate relief to ensure fairness and consistency for all girls soccer players as they begin competition. We appreciate the engagement of our member schools and their dedication to supporting student-athletes in a consistent and balanced manner.