Steffes v. California Interscholastic Federation
California Court of Appeals
176 Cal. App. 3d 739 (1986)
Kent Steffes (plaintiff) played varsity basketball and volleyball at Brentwood School before transferring, without a change of address, to Pali High for his junior year. Under California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) (defendant) Rule 214, a student who transfers schools without moving becomes ineligible for varsity sports for one year, a rule meant to curb athletic recruiting and school-shopping. Steffes sought a waiver, denying he was recruited, but CIF denied it. He sued CIF for an injunction against enforcing Rule 214; the trial court denied a preliminary injunction, and he appealed.
Whether the right to participate in interscholastic athletics is a fundamental right requiring strict scrutiny of eligibility rules like CIF Rule 214.