Judge denies restraining order in Class 4A girls soccer case

A federal judge denied a motion for a temporary restraining order Tuesday in the Title IX case brought by the parent of a Green Valley High School student against the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association, setting the stage for a crucial preliminary injunction hearing Aug. 22.

U.S. District Judge Brian E. Sandoval's denial of the temporary restraining order is viewed as a minor victory on the part of the NIAA, said Paul J. Anderson, the organization's attorney.

"From the NIAA's standpoint, we're encouraged by the win," Anderson said. "But we realize there's an important hearing coming up."

Tuesday's decision keeps the dynamics of Class 4A girls soccer in Nevada status quo for the moment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Johnson, the father of Green Valley soccer player Emma Johnson, filed an emergency action against the NIAA on July 31. He acted in response to the NIAA's decision not to allow Class 4A Southern Nevada girls soccer teams participating in the winter to be involved in postseason state tournaments and awards.

The NIAA long has sought to align Class 4A girls soccer in Southern Nevada with the fall season in Northern Nevada to allow for a true state champion, which is also a point of contention between Johnson and the NIAA.