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Orange High School: New regulations allow hockey for external students!
The Orange Board of Education approves participation in hockey by non-district students. Find out more about the decision from October 28, 2025.
Orange High School: New regulations allow hockey for external students!
The Orange Board of Education recently made a decision that could allow hockey to be played by students outside of its own school district. In a 3-2 vote to approve a new state law, students from neighboring school districts would now be allowed to participate in hockey at Orange High School. However, this only applies if your home school does not offer this sport. Loud Cleveland.com The residential school must be less than 20 miles away and the students in question must meet all required athletic and academic entry requirements.
It quickly became apparent that some board members expressed concerns. Vice President Beth Wilson-Fish and board member Rebecca Boyle voted against the decision, calling for more clarity on issues such as credential tracking, attendance, discipline and liability issues in the event of injuries. Boyle called for a full analysis of all costs and operational impacts before prioritizing spaces for students from other districts.
Background and legislation
The new law is part of House Bill 96, signed June 30 by Gov. Mike DeWine and included in the 2026-27 biennial state budget. The decision to introduce this measure was supported by the example of a student from a nearby district whose school does not have a hockey program. This student is believed to be from the Beachwood district.
The regulation is limited to hockey only, emphasizing the importance of this sport within Orange High School. The team's home games are played at The Pond Ice Rink and Sports Complex in Auburn Township. Last season, the team won the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League Division III Baron Cup Championship, further increasing the team's popularity.
School sports in America
The Orange Board of Education's decision fits into a broader trend within American school sports. As an analysis by Deutschlandfunk shows, school sports in the USA are an important topic in which six million young people, including an increasing number of girls, are active. But especially in small schools or “homeschooling” models, access to sporting activities is often lacking. Loud Deutschlandfunk Sports participation rates vary widely by state, and many schools focus primarily on talented athletes in popular sports.
In this context, Tom Farrey, Director of Sport and Society, emphasized the importance of considering sport as an integral part of educational objectives. This could also contribute to improving the offerings and increasing student satisfaction.
Developments at Orange High School reinforce the need to find new ways to participate in school sports - even as concerns continue to be raised. With 18 potential players, seven of whom are seniors, the team has received great support from parents and supporters. Jon Rice, the hockey team's volunteer parent manager, reported overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The discussion surrounding the participation of students from other school districts highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with the introduction of new regulations in school sports. Hockey, as a conscious focus, could be a model that serves as an example for other schools to improve access to sporting activities.
For hockey fans, the new regulation could also be another reason to watch the Orange High School games and look forward to an exciting season. Further information about school sports in the USA can be found at NHL, which is also committed to youth programs and thus contributes to supporting sports development.