Ryan Leary, a standout athlete from Carle Place High School in Long Island, faced an unexpected setback this fall when district officials barred him from playing both soccer and football during the same season. After leading his soccer team to a state championship last year, Leary expressed interest in participating in both varsity sports. He received initial support from his football coach, Paul Selhorn, and athletic director Justin Block, who left the final decision up to the district. However, this consensus quickly shifted, leaving Leary devastated.
During the summer, Leary discussed his plans with Coach Selhorn, who welcomed him on the team. He felt optimistic about his role on both sports teams, planning to defend the soccer championship while also contributing as a wide receiver and kicker for the football team. However, that hope diminished when Superintendent Ted Cannone intervened during the first week of football practice, stating that Leary would not be allowed to participate in both sports. This ultimatum forced Leary to choose football over soccer, leading to considerable disappointment.
After making the decision to focus on football, Leary expressed his heartbreak over the abrupt change in plans. He felt misled after having received initial approval for both sports, which made the district’s reversal hard to accept. Leary was given limited options by the school district: he could be fully involved in either football or soccer but was also told he could remain involved with both only if he played as the kicker for football while fully engaging with soccer.
The ruling from the district was attributed to concerns about student safety. Superintendent Cannone emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and equity for all student-athletes. He stated that it is inadvisable for any student to compete in two high-contact sports simultaneously, reflecting the district’s rationale. This decision contradicted the New York State Section 8 regulations, which permit student-athletes to participate in two sports during the same season if they meet practice requirements and designate a primary sport to avoid conflicts.
Patrick Pizzarelli, the executive director of NYS Section 8, noted the unusual nature of the district’s decision, highlighting that in his long experience, he had never encountered a situation where a student was denied the right to play two sports in the same season. This contradiction raised questions about the district’s interpretation and enforcement of state guidelines. Leary, diverging from soccer, has since shifted his focus entirely to football, contributing to his team’s performance with three touchdowns and significant receiving yards in their early season games.
As Leary steps into the football season, the impact of this decision resonates beyond just his athletic participation. The soccer team, in contrast, has struggled, starting the season with an 0-3-1 record. Leary’s situation highlights the broader theme of challenges faced by student-athletes navigating the complex world of school sports, bringing to light issues of safety, equity, and administrative oversight within athletic programs.
