The Missouri State High School Activities Association is granting a temporary exception to by-law following what they call “strong member school support”.

The by-law in question prevented girls soccer players from continuing to compete in non-school competitions ahead of the first allowable date for school contests in the spring season. MSHSAA announced Tuesday, March 4 that they would issue an exemption from the by-law (3.13.2) effective immediately, to last until March 19, 2025. However, athletes would still need to complete the required 14 conditioning practices before they’re eligible for competition.

MSHSAA cited overwhelming support from their annual questionnaire for a permanent change, with nearly five out of six responding schools saying they’d be willing to make the exception permanent. Any changes to MSHSAA by-laws would require a vote on the Annual Ballot this spring, followed by ratification by the MSHSAA Board of Directors.