Editor’s note, Dec. 13: Corrected Kevin Kiley’s statement that soccer is played in the spring in Nevada, when it is played in the fall.

TAHOE/TRUCKEE

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is forcing Truckee Tahoe Unified School District (TTUSD) to leave Nevada’s athletic association and compete in California’s, despite this being impractical for local student-athletes. The reason: Nevada does not have the same law allowing biological males to compete in female sports. 

Truckee Tahoe Unified has chosen to compete in Nevada because sports like soccer are played in the fall. In California, these are winter sports, which is impractical in snowy areas and presents travel safety concerns. Yet the state has overridden this local decision to preserve the ability for biological males at the district’s schools to compete in the female division. 

Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) is preparing a letter to the Department of Justice bringing attention to this action as relevant to the ongoing lawsuit against California for violating Title IX, and he is also exploring possible legislative options for reversing California’s reckless decision.

“This decision by the state will devastate girls’ soccer and other sports for TTUSD,” said Kiley. “The district competes in Nevada because harsh winter conditions make it impractical to play and travel in California during the season. The switch will push many players to quit, potentially leaving the team without enough athletes to take the field. Families have made clear that this move makes no sense logistically and creates serious safety concerns with winter travel over Donner Pass. Parents in Truckee and North Tahoe deserve better. They deserve a system that protects girls’ athletics, respects local decisions, and puts student safety above politics.”  

~ Congressman Kevin Kiley press release