A group of parents sued the Florida High School Athletic Association this week, alleging that a new scheduling rule designed to save money discriminates against female student-athletes.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Jacksonville by six Florida parents on behalf of their minor daughters.

The parents took issue with the FHSAA's new policy, which would cut the number of varsity games in sports, according to the court documents. Football is exempt from the policy change, and the parents, who are members of a group Florida Parents for Athletic Equality, believe that violates the Title IX federal law mandating equal opportunities for female athletes, the documents state.

Earlier this year, FHSAA board of directors voted to cut the number of varsity games by 20 percent and all other play by 40 percent through the 2010-11 school year. The rule change was developed as a way to cut costs for Florida high school athletic departments, which are facing tough budget constraints.

The plaintiffs in the case are seeking injunctions that would prevent the new policy from being implemented, or any other scheduling changes that would unfairly affect female student athletes.

When reached about the lawsuit earlier in the week, FHSAA representative Cristina Alvarez said in an e-mail that the organization would have no comment.

WATER POLO

• Sophomore Alison Mantel (Miami Gulliver Prep), who plays for the University of Michigan, was named an All-American honorable mention by the American Water Polo Coaches Association.

Mantel led Michigan with 56 goals and

87 points. Mantel also finished second on the team with 50 steals and 31 assists. She became the third player in program history to have 50 goals in a season.

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