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Time for Michigan to Change Rule, Rally Behind Teen With Down Syndrome Being Forced Off Team Due to Age

Rules are rules.

That's what "they" say.

Rules are also meant to be broken — that's what a lot of other people say. But what are rules, really? Rules — particularly in sports — are meant to keep people safe. They're in place to even the playing field and to allow each person, place or thing involved a fair shot.

Eric Dompierre wasn't born with an even playing field — he was born with Down Syndrome. but he doesn't go home after school at Ishpeming High School to lament his handicap, he goes to basketball practice. At least he used to, according to UpperMichigansSource.com

Dompierre is being forced to sit out his upcoming senior year of basketball because of an age rule that the MHSAA has in place, stating that players over the age of 18 years old aren't allowed to participate in sports.

"I'd be sad if I couldn't play with them and not have them in my life. They want me to play, and I want to play with them," Eric said.

Dompierre and the Ishpeming school district have already submitted two revisions to the rule. Both have been denied.

"He gets a lot of his confidence from the fact that he gets in the games, and he has a lot of support, not only from people here in Ishpeming, but people from all over the area are supportive of him. If he's told that he's not allowed to play anymore, I think he's going to lose a lot of that confidence. And that's been a key to his development," said Eric's dad, Dean.

A third proposal is in the works as we speak. In the meantime, a petition has been launched by Change.com that you can sign (right now) to help this worthwhile cause.

Michigan doesn't have to look far for inspiration as Ohio's High School Athletic Association waives the age rule for students with disabilities. In fact, 23 other states allow students who suffer from disabilities to play high school sports after 18, as well.

So what's the hold up?

The MHSAA handbook has the rule in place for a reason. In fact, all handbooks have very important rules for very strict and ideal reasons. But this rule isn't one of them — not when it comes to Eric, at least.

This isn't an argument about rules, whether you feel they're meant to be bent, broken, untouched or torched. This is matter of evening Eric's playing field for just one more year and not letting his handicap get the better of him, even if it's for one more high school basketball season. It's also an argument for all future student-athletes with disabilities to be able to at least enjoy sports and enjoy the lifelong lessons that come with teamwork, camaraderie and competition. What the state will sacrifice in rewriting a rulebook will not even begin to compare to the joy Eric gains from being with his teammates for one final year.

To sign the petition that will grant Eric one more year of eligibility, click here>>