Tensions have reached a boiling point in a Massachusetts school district after a female high school field hockey player suffered severe injuries during a match against a male opponent. The incident occurred during a playoff game between Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School and Swampscott High School, when the girl was hit in the face by a shot from the male player, resulting in "significant facial and dental injuries" that required hospitalization.

Following the distressing incident, Bill Runey, the Dighton-Rehoboth superintendent of schools, appeared on "OutKick The Morning" and expressed his outrage and concern for the traumatized players. Runey described the emotional impact he witnessed on the girls' faces when he met them upon their return from the game. He assured them of the district's support and the availability of counseling resources. The superintendent emphasized the sadness and trauma he saw in the eyes of the players and coaches, an experience that will forever remain with him. As time passed, the initial trauma turned into outrage due to the perceived lack of willingness to address the issue and implement change.

In response to the incident, Dighton-Rehoboth field hockey captain Kelsey Bain took matters into her own hands by writing a letter to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), urging them to revise their rules. Bain cited an article from the New Boston Post, which revealed that 41 boys had played on girls' field hockey teams during the 2019-20 school year. She proposed the creation of a new league to accommodate male players, stating that the stigma surrounding boys playing on a girls' team might discourage potential participants. Bain also highlighted the existence of a boys' field hockey division under the Fall Sports category in the MIAA handbook, suggesting that co-op teams and further opportunities could be established for male athletes.

Bain vividly recalled the horror and shock experienced by her and her teammates when they witnessed the devastating incident. The shrieks of fear and pain from their injured teammate filled the stadium, leaving everyone traumatized. The aftermath of the incident led to tears and fear among the players, who had to continue playing against a male athlete after one of their own had been hospitalized. This traumatic event brought attention to the existing rules and regulations surrounding male participation in women's sports.

The MIAA defended their stance, citing the Massachusetts Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on gender. While they expressed an understanding of safety concerns, they asserted that inclusion takes priority over safety. The MIAA argued that safety concerns were insufficient grounds for excluding students of one gender from participating on teams of the opposite gender. They pointed out a lack of evidence linking injuries to mixed-gender teams.

In response to the MIAA's statement, Bain argued that causation had not been adequately addressed. She emphasized that the significant damage caused by a male player during the game was witnessed by all, raising questions about the MIAA's continued support for boys participating in girls' sports. Bain questioned how many more injuries, or even fatalities, would be necessary for the MIAA to acknowledge that boys do not belong in girls' sports. She reminded the MIAA that high school field hockey rules were created for girls to play against girls, and altering the rules and equipment to accommodate boys not only inconveniences the players but also comes with physical and emotional costs.

Bain called for the incident to be turned into a catalyst for positive change and urged the MIAA to reconsider their policies. She expressed concern that by trying to create equality, the MIAA was inadvertently creating inequalities. Bain's letter serves as a plea to use this opportunity to address the negative incident and implement necessary changes. The MIAA has yet to respond to Bain's letter or comment on the matter.