(Image source: East Montgomery High School)
BY RICO BUSH AND BARBARA MANINGAT
You're watching multisource sports news analysis from Newsy
Think about waiting all your childhood life, dreaming about taking the field in your senior year of high school. For one Virginia athlete, that moment never came.
Why? At 19 years old, Eastern Montgomery High School in Virginia dubbed Adam Sisson TOO old by just 12 hours. WDBJ 7 has the details on why the school said no to play time.
“Now, every Friday night, number 20 is on the sidelines. The Virginia High School League age rules states that a student is not eligible to play sports if he or she turns 19 on or before August first of that school year. Sisson birthday is July 31.”
And this is the most successful season for East Montgomery in school history. NBC affiliate WSLS reports the Virginia High School leagues are strict on the age limit to maintain a - quote - “competitive balance” of skill in high school athletics.
“The VHSL put that age rule in there to discourage kids from staying in high school another year, bulking up getting ready to play college football.”
Sisson’s parents held him back in third grade due to a learning disability. The Roanoke Times reports the father is currently fighting for his son’s due process and civil rights. One columnist says it’s time for Adam and his father to stop pushing the issue and start sitting on the sidelines.
“The judge has a point. Sisson's appeal to the VHSL was heard -- and denied. At some point, he needs to reach the acceptance stage. … My recommendation would be to chalk this one up in the ‘life isn't fair’ category.”
But some local community members have different opinions on the matter, posting comments to an NWCN article.
“This is absolutely wrong because the kid is learning disabled. If he had taken a year off to beat cancer they'd make him into a hero. Adults and their stupid rules.”
According to ABC affiliate WSET-TV, Sisson lost his bid to join his team on the sidelines during the state semi-final game-- something he did all season.
"I'm still part of it, the team tells me... which I pretty much am. But I want to be a big part of it... even if I don't play I'll still be on that team as a champion. No matter what. No matter what"
Sisson’s high school will continue on to play for the state title. The day before the championship, Sisson will find out whether the court will let him play for his upcoming basketball and baseball seasons. So what do you think? Is Sisson too old to play ball?
Get more multisource video news analysis from Newsy
Transcript by Newsy
