Press Release: Truckee and North Tahoe High Schools Transition to CIF Amid NIAA Policy Changes
In a significant move, Truckee and North Tahoe high schools have announced their transition from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) due to recent policy changes regarding transgender athletes. This decision follows the NIAA’s April 2 vote to prohibit transgender athlete participation based on biological sex, which contradicts California’s laws, including AB 1955, protecting gender identity and expression.
Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Superintendent Kerstin Kramer communicated the shift in an email to families, explaining that the transition will take effect for the 2025/2026 school year. The move is aimed at aligning with California state law and ensuring that student-athletes can engage in competitive interscholastic sports without facing discrimination. The district is committed to addressing any concerns related to this transition, such as scheduling and eligibility, and will provide further updates, including an FAQ posted online and a community meeting on May 16.
The NIAA’s new policy mandates that eligibility for participation in girls’ teams will be based solely on biological sex, a decision that has raised alarms regarding its compliance with the Nevada Equal Rights Amendment. The association’s regulation of transgender athletes has faced criticism and poses potential challenges as states like Minnesota and California have resisted federal guidelines.
This transition comes after Truckee and North Tahoe achieved remarkable success in athletics, each winning five state championships last season. Truckee’s football program, renowned for its dominance, aims to maintain its legacy while navigating this change. Meanwhile, the status of South Tahoe High School, another NIAA member, remains uncertain as it is governed by a separate district.
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