SDHSAA considering adding high school soccer

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A study committee has removed a proposed implementation date in a revised report on adding soccer as a sanctioned high school sport for boys and girls.

The South Dakota High School Activities Association’s board of directors will give the report a first reading in January.

The study committee suggested earlier that soccer be added in the 2011-12 school year.

The SDHSAA board voted in 2007 to add soccer. It later delayed implementation after some schools said it would be hard to add the sport to their calendar and budget.

SDHSAA assistant executive director Bob Lowery says a report given to the board Wednesday recommends a five-year transition period for school-sponsored club teams. The committee also favors allowing school teams and transition teams to play nonschool club teams during the regular season.

Tags: high school, south dakota, sports, soccer, other, sdhsaa