TTUSD Athletics Transition to CIF - FAQs

May 5, 2025

I. Decision and Rationale

• Why is TTUSD switching from NIAA to CIF? TTUSD is transitioning its interscholastic athletics affiliation to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to ensure full compliance with state laws in California. Recent policy changes within the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) regarding student-athlete eligibility based solely on biological sex directly conflict with California laws protecting gender identity and expression. As a California school district, we are required to comply with California law.
   
• What specific California laws are driving this decision? The primary driver for this decision is California state law, specifically the California Education Code’s mandate against discrimination and protection of student privacy, along with AB 1955, which safeguards students from discrimination based on gender identity. The NIAA’s recent policy changes regarding athlete eligibility directly contradict these legal protections. California Education Code further clarifies this by prohibiting exclusion from athletics based on “actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender expression.” (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 4920, Ed. Code, § 221.5, subd. (f) Ed. Code, tit. 1 § 210.7 )
   
• What were the specific NIAA policy changes that created this conflict? The recent NIAA policy changes involve requirements for student-athlete eligibility based solely on biological sex and the potential disclosure of sensitive information, such as sex assigned at birth, on medical forms. These requirements conflict with California's legal protections for gender identity and expression and students' right to privacy.
   
• Did TTUSD have a choice in this matter? As a California public school district, TTUSD is obligated to comply with California state law. The conflict between NIAA policies and California law necessitates this transition to CIF to ensure we meet our legal responsibilities.
   
• Is TTUSD violating federal law with this decision? The NIAA made its policy change based on a recent federal executive order, which has not been made into federal law at this time. Executive orders do not override existing laws.
   
• Why was this decision made so quickly? This decision was made quickly because on April 2, 2025, the NIAA Board of Control implemented a new policy requiring specific medical verification for female athletes. This change necessitated an immediate analysis of its impact on TTUSD, as a California School District operating under California education code, and a swift decision after a thorough review with our legal consultants. Acting quickly was crucial to allow our staff the necessary time to work with CIF and ensure the viability of a full fall, winter, and spring sports schedule for our student-athletes in the 2025/2026 school year.
   
• Why didn’t parents have a voice before this decision was made? We understand the desire for community input on significant decisions. However, in this instance, the district's obligation to comply with California state law, particularly regarding non-discrimination and student rights, presented a situation where we did not believe there was latitude for alternative action. Because the NIAA's rules conflicted with California law, we had a clear legal duty to switch to CIF, a necessary step in ensuring we are fulfilling our fundamental responsibilities as a California school district.
   
• It appears that South Tahoe High School is remaining in the NIAA. Can you comment on why TTUSD is making a different decision? TTUSD cannot comment on the decision-making process of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District. Each district must independently assess its legal obligations. From TTUSD's perspective, as a California public school district operating under California state law, we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure compliance with those laws. With the guidance of our legal consultants, we determined that the recent policy changes by the NIAA created a direct and unavoidable conflict with our legal obligations. The transition to CIF is necessary to ensure TTUSD is acting under California law and to protect the district from potential legal repercussions.
   
• Was leaving the NIAA a requirement by California state law, or was it a choice for TTUSD? Given the direct conflict between the NIAA's recent policy changes and the mandates of California state law, TTUSD viewed this transition as a necessary action to ensure legal compliance. While the act of leaving the NIAA was a decision we made, it was a direct consequence of our overriding duty to adhere to California law. TTUSD simply can not comply with CA civil law protecting students’ rights while also complying with NIAA policies at the same time.
   
• Can you explain in simpler terms how the NIAA's recent policy changes conflict with California law? TTUSD is a school district in California, and we are legally required to follow the laws set forth by the state of California. Our participation in the NIAA is optional. However, recent policy changes by the NIAA regarding student-athlete eligibility now violate the California Education Code, making continued participation a non-viable option for us. The core issue isn't TTUSD choosing to leave the NIAA; it's that remaining in the NIAA would put us out of compliance with California law and Ed Code. Just as Nevada's Department of Education and NIAA regulations govern Nevada schools without specifically considering California's regulations, the California legislature creates its laws for California schools. Therefore, to adhere to our state's legal obligations, this transition to CIF is necessary. California Education Code prohibits excluding students from participating in interscholastic, intramural, or club athletics based on “actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression.” (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 § 4920, Ed. Code, § 221.5, subd. (f), Ed. Code, tit. 1 § 210.7) 

II. Athletic Program Impacts

• Will TTUSD teams compete in the 2025/2026 season? Yes. All TTUSD sports will compete in the Sac-Joaquin Section of CIF in the 2025/2026 season. We are collaborating with CIF to finalize schedules to ensure championship-qualifying pathways and playoff eligibility for our athletes. The focus of this collaboration is to seamlessly integrate our teams into the CIF structure so that our students have a full and competitive season.
   
• What CIF division and league will TTUSD schools be competing in? CIF determines divisional and league placements within the CIF Sections based on school enrollment and the competitive landscape. We will be participating in the Sac-Joaquin Section. We will learn which divisions and leagues our high schools will be assigned to soon. Division and league placement will influence the specific schools we will compete against. We will share the confirmed placements as soon as we receive that information.
   
• With the move to CIF, will we still be able to compete against some of our traditional rival schools from the NIAA? We understand the importance of our long-standing rivalries with Nevada schools and are optimistic about continuing some of these through CIF's allowance of out-of-league play. We value these relationships and will explore all feasible avenues to maintain these competitive opportunities for our student-athletes within the CIF framework. Schedules will provide a clearer picture as they develop.
   
• Will there be changes to post-season eligibility and pathways? Yes there will be changes. All TTUSD  teams will be eligible for postseason participation within our new divisions in the CIF.
   
• Will our athletic programs still be competitive in CIF? CIF focuses schools alignment within divisions and leagues based on both competitive equity and enrollment.  We are confident that TTUSD teams will remain competitive within their affiliated CIF Section because of our demonstrated competitiveness. While the competitive landscape will undoubtedly differ from the NIAA, our talented student-athletes and dedicated coaching staff provide a strong foundation for success. The level of competition will likely vary by sport, presenting both challenges and opportunities for our teams. Ultimately, our strong athletic tradition and the continued dedication of our student-athletes and coaches will allow us to be competitive in this new environment.
   
• How will this change affect the overall athletic experience for TTUSD students? While there will be some adjustments, the overall athletic experience for TTUSD students will continue to be a positive and valuable part of their high school years. Yes, we will travel to new schools and compete against new teams within the affiliated Section of CIF. As mentioned, a few sports will experience season shifts. However, the fundamental aspects of our strong athletic programs – the chance to compete, improve skills, be part of a team, and learn important life lessons – will remain. We are dedicated to ensuring that all our athletes continue to have a rewarding and fulfilling high school sports experience.

III. Impact on Specific Sports

Soccer

• When will the soccer season take place? The primary CIF soccer season is winter. There will be high school soccer teams. We understand the switch to CIF will disrupt our soccer teams, and we empathize with those students affected. There are opportunities with girls spring and boys fall seasons offered within the Sac-Joaquin section as well.  We are actively investigating the best path forward within the CIF regulations, and are committed to finding solutions that allow for a viable soccer season.
   
• Can you provide more specific details about how winter soccer will work, given our mountain climate? We are aware of logistical challenges with a winter soccer season. We are currently investigating the practice facility and location needs. 

Tennis

• When will the boy’s tennis season take place? The boys tennis season will move from fall to spring within the Sac-Joaquin CIF division.  

CIF Sports by Season 

BOLD indicates sports played in a different season in CIF.