Long Island High School Star Athlete Barred from Playing Dual Sports

Background on Ryan Leary

Ryan Leary, a senior athlete at Carle Place High School on Long Island, has made headlines after being prohibited from participating in both boys’ soccer and football this fall. Last year, Leary played a pivotal role in helping his school win a state soccer championship, showcasing his dual-sport talent. However, this season, district regulations derailed his plans.

Initial Approval Turns to Disappointment

Leary had discussed his desire to play both sports with his football coach, Paul Selhorn. “During the summer, I brought it up to coach Selhorn, and he said, ‘we’d love to have you. The team would love to have you,’” Leary recounted. Both his coaches and the athletic director showed initial support for his ambitions.

• Football Roles: Leary was set to perform as a wide receiver and kicker.
• Soccer Commitment: He aimed to defend Carle Place’s Class B Boys Soccer State Championship.

The Administrative Ultimatum

Just as football practice commenced, Superintendent Ted Cannone informed Leary that he could not compete in both sports simultaneously. Leary stated, “I was heartbroken… it was hard to hear.” School officials presented him with three options:

• Full Membership: Choose to be a full member of either the soccer or football team.
• Partial Participation: Remain a full member of the soccer team and play only as a kicker for the football team.

Cannone explained the rationale behind the decision, citing student safety and equity among team members as primary concerns: “It is inadvisable for a student-athlete to play two high-contact sports in the same season.”

Societal and Regulatory Views

Despite the school’s decision, regulations from NYS Section 8, which governs public school athletics in Nassau County, allow for participating in two sports if specific conditions are met. Patrick Pizzarelli, Section 8’s executive director, commented, “I’ve never heard of a school denying a kid to play two sports in the same season.”

Key Takeaways

• Option to Choose: School district offered limited options for participation.
• Safety Concerns: Officials attributed the decision to the health of student-athletes.
• Section 8 Rules: Affirm that dual participation is generally permissible under certain circumstances.

Focus on Football

Following the ultimatum, Leary opted to concentrate on football for his senior season. As of now, he has made significant contributions, scoring three touchdowns on 11 receptions for 207 yards, helping the team achieve a 1-1 record. Meanwhile, the soccer team is struggling, with an 0-3-1 record.

Conclusion

Ryan Leary’s situation raises questions about student-athlete rights and regulatory practices in high school sports. While he has made the choice to focus solely on football this season, the limitations placed upon him highlight ongoing discussions about the balance between student safety and athletic opportunity.

For more insights on high school athletics and student participation regulations, visit NYS Section 8 and learn about the evolving landscape of youth sports.