A sole independent female swimmer was denied inclusion for a second year from participating in what is often referred to as “Counties”.  Counties is the championship meet for York and Adam counties high school student swimmers. Since the below rule does not include the eight letters of  “Swimming” student athletes who take the initiative to become independent swimmers when their high school has no swim team are excluded. You will see precedence has been set allowing  other sports (golf and cross country) to be included. 

The rule is outdated and does not support the York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) own mission statement that states “The York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) will provide a positive environment for student athletes so they may reach their fullest potential with emphasis on academics, character, and sportsmanship”

We where informed via email on January 17, 2023 by Mr. Abbott, the YAIAA Director, our League's Constitution states the following in regards to your request: ' Only student athletes who participate on YAIAA member school-sponsored teams are eligible to participate in League sponsored post-season tournaments.  Exceptions: golf and cross-country.  These participants must qualify for Districts through a League-sponsored tournament, but may not displace an athlete from a sponsoring team.' 

During countless conversations with coaches, officials, athletic directors, school administration, etc. they all have been in support of independent athletes (a student who participate in a sport their school does not have) being included. To date there has been no other justification given other than the eight letters of “swimming” are not listed in the rule above. 

Please support this petition as it is intended to increase inclusion of all athletes helping them to reach their fullest potential regardless of which district their parents reside in. Fix the rule to include and support the initiatives taken by independent athletes.