Michael Dodge is a 19-year-old senior at Creston High School. He presently competes in cross-country and track. Michael plans to graduate and attend Graceland Community College and run cross-country and track there.

Three of the five remaining track meets were postponed because of rain. He has only been able to run in two meets this season. His birthday is 4/18 and he will turn 20 years old. At that time, he will become ineligible to compete in all high school interscholastic competitions. The eligibility rules states that "All contestants must be under 20 years of age." This rule has been in effect for 45 years and originated in 1930.

Michael was never retained for athletic purposes or physical maturation reasons. Michael's ineligibility is the result of his disability. According to the Eight Circuit Court of Appeals, the age limit "helps reduce the competitive advantage flowing to teams using older athletes; protects younger athletes from harm; discourages student athletes from delaying their education to gain athletic maturity; and, presents over-zealous coaches from engaging in repeated red-shirting to gain a competitive advantage."

The age limitation rule must be sustained and applied in Michael's case.

For the foregoing reasons, the decision by the Board of Control of the Iowa High School Athletic Association made at their meeting on March 26, 1998, denying an eligibility extension or waiver from the age 20 limitation rule is hereby affirmed.