Catholic HS Bars Female Ref

A Kansas Catholic high school’s decision to ban a female referee from officiating a boys’ basketball game because of the school’s religious beliefs has state officials investigating the incident and considering banning the school from future competition, the AP reports. Referees said officials from St. Mary’s Academy, near Topeka, refused to let Michelle Campbell work a game Feb. 2.

The school’s athletic director told a male referee that the school believed it was inappropriate for a female to be put in a position of authority over boys. The school is operated by the Society of St. Pius X, which follows older Roman Catholic teachings. Campbell is one of about five female referees in the Kansas High School Activities Association. (More high school basketball stories.)