How girl football player's case led to broader review for Erie Catholic team
Days after Imogen Painter, the only girl player for Erie Catholic Knights, was benched, the Diocese of Erie began investigation on football program for clearances.
The case of Imogen Painter, an 8-year-old girl who played tackle football with the Erie Catholic Knights, has led to a broader review of the Erie Catholic School System's policies. The Diocese of Erie is investigating the football program over compliance failures discovered amid the controversy. Imogen joined the developmental team for second- through fourth-graders, despite the school system's policy prohibiting girls from playing tackle football.
The program director, Andrew Huzar, made the decision without prior knowledge of Erie Catholic or the Diocese of Erie. Erie Catholic officials stated that they take these obligations seriously and are committed to addressing any shortcomings and implementing necessary corrective actions. The controversy surrounding Imogen has also brought attention to the Diocese of Erie's policy, which prohibits girls from playing tackle football and wrestling, but allows them to compete against opponents with female players.
Brief written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
