MIDVALE – The Utah High School Activities Association announced Thursday it was placing all of high school boys’ soccer on probation for three years and limiting the number of games that can be played in the sport.
The probation affects all boys’ soccer programs throughout the state, regardless of classification or region.
According to a release from UHSAA, the Executive Committee is making a stand against sportsmanship issues in the sport. The organization states that there has been a rise in ejections related to unsportsmanlike conduct. In response, the organization will remove two games from the total number allowed to be played from 16 down to 14.
The sport will remain on probation for the next three years, with the Executive Committee conducting an annual review of the sport’s progress in improving sportsmanship issues.
This year’s state semifinal matches had a Southern Utah flavor to them as Crimson Cliffs advanced to the title game by defeating Desert Hills in a shootout, while Ridgeline got past Dixie 4-1 in the other semifinal.
Crimson Cliffs went on to defeat Ridgeline 1-0 by scoring in the final minute of overtime to capture the state title.
The announcement affects 116 high school soccer teams throughout the state.
Written by ERIC FRANDSEN, Cache Valley Daily
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