CIF responds to Mater Dei lawsuit … calls Monarchs’ course of action “baffling” …

Here’s the statement just put out by CIF-Southern Section … in response to Mater Dei suing over transfer rulings

LOS ALAMITOS — The CIF Southern Section offi ce expresses its disappointment at the fiing of a lawsuit by the Diocese of Orange contending unfair treatment of Mater Dei High School.

“Mater Dei has been a long standing member of CIF-Southern Section and is clearly aware of our policies,” stated CIF Southern Section Commissioner Dr. Jim Staunton. “If Mater Dei had concerns about eligibility decisions, they had several channels of communication to express those concerns. Why they did not exercise their options as members is baffling.”

The Section maintains open lines of communication with all member schools including Mater Dei High School yet this lawsuit is the fi rst indication of any dissatisfaction of the application of the rules.

During the history of the organization including the sixty years Mater Dei High School has been a member of CIF-Southern Section, the rules have been enforced and applied without prejudice or malice against any of its members.

The Section is confused that one of the most successful school athletic programs in the Section would make a claim of disproportionate treatment by the organization.

The Office is available to hear any complaints or allegations, as is the Southern Section Executive Committee, yet the Diocese of Orange has filed this suit without prior communication to the Southern Section Office.

“While the CIF-SS never wishes to be involved in litigation with one of our member schools, we look forward to demonstrating the fair and equal application of our rules on behalf of all our membership,” added Staunton.