MSHSL votes against boy’s volleyball

Boys volleyball will not be a sanctioned high school sport, according to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). They voted it down Tuesday.

The bid has already failed two other times around, but is one that’s received a lot of support from more than 55 club teams, including the Proctor/Hermantown Norsemen.

The final vote was 31-17 by the assembly. Approval needed 32 of 48 members to pass.

During public comment, school coaches and leaders brought up concerns over season of play, as well as financial and time commitments needed. Others mentioned it seemed like the obvious decision for boys volleyball to be a sanctioned sport, to create another way for students to become involved in school activity.

The Minnesota Boys High School Volleyball Association issued the following statement in response:

It is a sad day for high school athletics in Minnesota. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has done a disservice to Minnesota students and families by failing to sanction boys high school volleyball, despite the overwhelming demand for the sport. Minnesota is missing out on an incredible opportunity with most boys volleyball student athletes not participating in any other sanctioned sport, and more than half identifying as students of color. While other states move ahead and make the right decision to sanction this sport, Minnesota will remain static and eventually, be left behind.

The Minnesota Boys High School Volleyball Association does not yet know what this outcome means for our volunteer-run organization – but we want to thank the school and administrative leadership who signed the proposal, spoke on behalf of their districts, and have supported us from the very beginning. Thank you to the tireless work and advocacy of coaches and officials who keep our competitions running, and most importantly, the passion and dedication of our parents and students.