CIAC Supports NFHS Statement On Soccer Policy

The NFHS has released a position opposing the new 10-month schedule proposed by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. The CIAC and the other 50 National Federation member state associations are in complete agreement with the NFHS position detailed by Executive Director Bob Gardner and President Rick Wulkow.

U.S. Soccer’s proposal intends to encourage scholastic soccer players to forgo their high school teams in favor of its Development Academy, in an effort to improve the talent pool for the United States in international competition. This proposal is completely at odds with the belief of the CIAC that participation in athletics is about more than wins, losses, and the improvement of skills, but rather is most importantly an integral part of a student’s academic, social, emotional and physical development. Placing students in a position where pursuit of athletics endeavors jeopardizes their opportunity for the full spectrum of development provided by a scholastic experience is troubling. Please read the full statement from the NHFS which the CIAC wholeheartedly supports.