Jewish School’s Team, Refusing to Play During Sabbath, Loses Trip to State Semifinals

[TxShox]

This is a big topic on sports radio down here in Houston...

In Texas, the Sabbath Trumps the Semifinals {via NYTimes.com}

The director of TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) has held firm on his position:

“When Beren’s joined years ago, we advised them that the Sabbath would present them with a problem with the finals,” Edd Burleson, the director of the association, said. “In the past, Tapps has held firmly to their rules because if schedules are changed for these schools, it’s hard for other schools.

“If we solve one problem, we create another problem.”

Membership in the association is voluntary, Burleson said.

“If the schools are just going to arrange their own schedule, why do we even set a tournament?” Burleson said. “Over a period of time, our state tournament, which is a highlight of our association, deteriorates to nothing. That’s the whole point of having an organization.”

[Shocker85]

“If the schools are just going to arrange their own schedule, why do we even set a tournament?” Burleson said. “Over a period of time, our state tournament, which is a highlight of our association, deteriorates to nothing. That’s the whole point of having an organization.”

Translation: If you're a bigot, you don't have to change nuthin' for nobody.

-'85

[TxShox]

Translation: If you're a bigot, you don't have to change nuthin' for nobody.

-'85

Right... if everybody played by those rules, then BYU would be forced to either play on Sunday or forfeit the NCAA Tournament. However, the NCAA respects their religious beliefs and ensures that they would play on a Saturday. This is one thing the NCAA got right.

[Kung Wu]

Hmmm, I had a different reaction, although I didn't drill in and read the article. In fact I don't see the problem? An organization puts their religion before basketball -- so they don't play on Saturday -- seems completely reasonable. Then the organization joined a conference and was told up front that if they join, the conference would not be moving the tournament schedule. The organization was okay with it and agreed. So they don't play on Saturday and that's the end of their season -- good run. They are okay with it or they wouldn't have joined. The conference is okay with having this religious school in their conference and don't mind that they won't play in their Saturday games.

What's the controversy?

[TxShox]

Your point is well taken and, in fact, the kids and coach are handling the situation quite well. They are disappointed that they won't be able to play, but are firm in their convictions and will forfeit the game if it is not moved.

Most of the controversy is coming from people outside of the Beren Academy. On the show I was listening to this morning, the coach mentioned how they had filed an appeal with the organization, but it was turned down.

One thing that was mentioned during the interview was that the board previously made a similar concession to a soccer team from a Dallas area school and allowed them to change their game time. Therein lies a controversy.

[WuDrWu]

Were there any underlying issues to the soccer move that might have relevance here TxShox?

[TxShox]

Were there any underlying issues to the soccer move that might have relevance here TxShox?

My understanding is that the soccer team was also affiliated with a religious school and the game was scheduled during their Sabbath. I don't remember the religious affiliation of that school, but it was not Jewish.

[pinstripers]

The school stood up for their beliefs, good. What's the problem?

[Kung Wu]

My understanding is that the soccer team was also affiliated with a religious school and the game was scheduled during their Sabbath. I don't remember the religious affiliation of that school, but it was not Jewish.

Is it possible that they learned from the first experience that constantly moving events planned well in advance can cause turmoil among parents that have scheduled around those specific dates?

Perhaps it was the lessons from the first experience that dictate their behavior now, as opposed to being selective?

[TxShox]

The school stood up for their beliefs, good. What's the problem?

I posted the article because I thought it was interesting and I was curious to know others thoughts. Personally, I think the organization should have tried to be flexible.

It's true that TAPPS acted within their rules and it's true that the school accepted the final decision. The school entered the association knowing that this was a possibility, so it's true that everyone acted within their rights.

Another bit of information that I learned was that the school approached their opponent about making a change and they were in favor of it. Also, the change they were asking for was to move the game to the afternoon instead of the evening - a difference of about 4 hours.

Anyway, I read a lot of good points and appreciate the feedback.

[RoyalShock]

If the organization receives any state funding, could it be argued that the 1st Amendment applies?

[Kung Wu]

If the organization receives any state funding, could it be argued that the 1st Amendment applies?

I don't understand. What does a restriction on Congress have to do with a state and a school?

[Maggie]

If the organization receives any state funding, could it be argued that the 1st Amendment applies?

I don't understand. What does a restriction on Congress have to do with a state and a school?

Royal is suggesting that if the athletic association receives state funding (or is state organization) then the Jewish school could theoretically make a legal argument that the association would be compelled to take steps to “reasonably accommodate” their religious beliefs.

[RoyalShock]

Maggie summed it up much better than I could have.

And I'm not saying I believe it is or should be a 1st Amendment issue. Just posing the question.

[Maggie]

Maggie summed it up much better than I could have.

And I'm not saying I believe it is or should be a 1st Amendment issue. Just posing the question.

It is a good question, however, if the athletic association is a private entity then the school's legal options are limited bordering on nonexistent. This is not the first time this issue has arisen.