A Massachusetts police chief is demanding changes to the law after a male hockey player inflicted horrific facial injuries on a female opponent.
Footage of the horror crash saw the woman collapse and scream in pain after the ball hit her face, with the male player’s participation causing a kickback despite being allowed under Massachusetts law.
The incident took place between two varsity teams at Swampscott High School and Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, with the former coming out on top thanks to two goals from the male player.
Viewers have reacted with enormous anger, criticizing the law that allows men and women to participate in opposite-sex sports if they are not made available to their own.
In this case, the male player can play hockey on the women’s team, as it is traditionally a women’s sport.
This gender-neutral law provokes criticism not only from locals, but also from city officials.
Footage of the horror crash saw the woman collapse and scream in pain after the ball hit her face, with the male player’s participation causing a kickback despite being allowed under Massachusetts law.
Dighton-Rehoboth Superintendent Bill Runey demands change in MIAA law
The law that allows men and women to participate in sports of the opposite sex if they are not made available in their own sports
After the incident, Superintendent Bill Runey of Dighton-Rehoboth – the school where the injured player came from – sent an email to alarmed parents advising that the event “dramatically increases the concerns of many about player safety.”
He is now calling for a change to the rule that has been in place since the 1970s.
Runey said in a statement: “Last night, a female hockey player on the Dighton Rehoboboth Regional High School girls hockey team suffered significant facial and dental injuries when she was struck in the face by a shot in the third quarter against Swampscott in an MIAA playoff game ( Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association).
“The recording was made by a male member of the Swampscott girls hockey team. This injury required hospitalization.
“The player, her family, teammates and coaches remain in my prayers.
“While I understand that the MIAA has established guidelines for co-ed participation under section 43 of their handbook, this incident dramatically increases the concerns of many about player safety.”
In an email after the incident, Dighton-Rehoboth Superintendent Bill Runey told alarmed parents that their student’s injury “dramatically increases the concerns of many about player safety.”
The MIAA has hit back at Runey, stating that the 1976 Massachusetts Equal Rights Amendment prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The amendment was extended to scholastic sports in 1979
The MIAA has hit back at Runey, stating that the 1976 Massachusetts Equal Rights Amendment prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The amendment was extended to scholastic sports in 1979.
They said: ‘The court found that a general rule prohibiting boys from playing on girls’ teams, when no equivalent boys’ team exists, violated the ERA.
‘We respect and understand the complexities and concerns that exist regarding student safety. However, student safety has not been a successful defense against excluding students of one gender from participating on teams of the opposite gender.
‘The arguments generally fail due to the lack of correlation between injuries and mixed teams.’
But the MIAA’s statement wasn’t enough to convince Runey. He said that while changing the Massachusetts ERA would be difficult, action must be taken to ensure player safety.
“Seeing the look of horror in the eyes of our players and coaches as they greeted their bus last night is proof to me that a renewed approach by the MIAA is needed to protect the safety of our athletes,” he said.
Players were seen consoling each other and visibly upset after witnessing the horrific injury
Other players were seen running to the injured student’s side after she was hit by the ball
In the footage, a female Dighton-Rehoboth player passed the ball to their male teammate, who controlled the ball before unleashing a vicious shot.
The ball immediately hit an opponent in the face, leaving her with horrific facial injuries, including the loss of two teeth, which sent her to hospital. Her condition is unclear.
Shocked teammates were seen resting their hands on their knees and comforting each other after witnessing the horrific injury.
Despite the harrowing scenes, the male player’s place on the team was defended by Swampscott Public Schools Athletic Director Kelly Wolff, who said he has “the exact same right to participate as any player on the team.”
Wolff identified the player, who is not believed to be transgender, as a four-year varsity player and co-captain of the team, according to WCVB.
Runey’s demand for change has not yet been presented to the city council or put in writing. It is unknown if the male player suffered any consequences for his actions.