Cape Cod School Penalized for Boy on Field Hockey Team

He has become accustomed to the taunts and snickers. He has learned to ignore fans who call him names and make fun of his skirt. His tires were slashed.

But what hurt Niles Draper most was when other schools forfeited to Chatham High, refusing to play the girls’ field hockey team because he’s on it. Under state rules, the forfeits knock Chatham out of the state tournament. But the school is set to challenge that decision before the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Assn. Tuesday, and, if necessary, in court Wednesday.

“I didn’t know it was going to be this blown up. I never suspected it,” Draper said. “It’s kind of uncomfortable. I just want to play the game.”

The 16-year-old junior has been on the girls’ team since the eighth grade because Massachusetts public schools don’t offer boys’ field hockey teams. Although he has played baseball, ice hockey and golf, he prefers field hockey and hopes to participate in the U.S. men’s field hockey program or on a college club.

Opponents say they have forfeited because Draper poses an injury risk and warn girls’ sports could be overrun by boys.

Kathy Andrews, Chatham’s coach, says the 5-foot-6, 145-pound Draper poses little threat to female opponents.

Despite their disappointment, the other 12 Chatham Blue Devils say they strongly support Draper’s right to play.

“I was looking forward to this year,” Chatham senior Carolyn Connelly said. “It just seems like the adults are getting in the way of our fun.”