ANDOVER (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A controversial proposal to change the athletic policy at Andover High School in the wake of a hazing scandal has been tabled until the fall.
The change would have kept freshmen from playing on varsity sports teams. The policy was proposed at last week's school committee meeting by school officials concerned about the impact of exposing younger students to some of the behaviors and activities of older students. They said the move would be a step in changing the sports culture at the school, but many parents and coaches had concerns it would deny talented students the opportunities they had earned.
Last July, two new members of the high school's varsity basketball team were forced to participate in a humiliating sex game at a summer training camp at Stonehill College.
On Friday, school committee members decided the proposal needed more input before any decision could be made to the student handbook. The committee members also determined the issue should go before the school council at the high school. The school council is comprised of teachers, students, parents, and community members.
The school committee also tabled two other issues regarding sports practices on Sundays and the procedure for choosing captains on sports teams.
