CIF Action OKs Participation of Prep Players on Soccer Clubs

The limit on the number of high school soccer players who can compete on club teams has been lifted, at least for now, by an injunction issued by the state CIF office Friday.

Tom Brynes, the state CIF commissioner, issued a temporary stay of enforcement against Southern Section rule 2712.1. The rule limits to five the number of high school soccer players from the same school who can play together on a club soccer team during the off-season.

The stay goes into effect immediately through Sept. 17, when the state executive committee will meet to decide the matter. Club teams start their seasons today.

Brynes was acting on an appeal brought last week on behalf of the Brea Soccer Assn., which is a group of area club teams.

Brynes contends that Southern Section rule 2712.1 may conflict with state rule 600. Rule 600 says it is permissible for a student on a high school soccer team to compete in matches on an “outside” soccer team except during the period of Nov. 15 to March 15, which is the high school soccer season.

Those in favor of the Southern Section rule say that it encourages players to try other sports and prevents a team from being able to compete throughout the year.

The opposition contends that it forces soccer players to choose between high school and club soccer and doesn’t allow them to play both.