Religious Freedom and the Interscholastic Athlete

Abstract:     
This article delineates the religious rights of interscholastic athletes under the First Amendment Free Exercise Clause. Part I provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary free exercise doctrine, followed by a brief summary of other laws that may govern religion-related conflicts arising in the context of interscholastic athletics. Part II then surveys the types of controversies that can arise in this context and will examine their resolution in light of the governing laws. Part II also offers guidelines to coaches and administrators for the prevention and resolution of such conflicts, including steps that can be taken to avoid First Amendment violations and, thus, legal liability.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 52

Keywords: religion, religious liberty, sports, athletics

Accepted Paper Series