In response to the declining number of members in club activities due to the declining birthrate, the High School Athletic Federation (National High School Athletic Federation) will allow joint teams from multiple schools to participate in the national high school tournament in nine team sports such as rugby and basketball from the new year. Announced.
According to the Federation of High School Athletic Federations, until now, in principle, each school has been allowed to participate in the national high school inter-high school tournament and its preliminary rounds, and participation in joint teams by multiple schools is permitted only for the two years before the schools are consolidated. I was.
However, as the number of schools where it is difficult to form independent teams due to the declining birthrate is increasing, the Federation of High School Athletic Federations decided to introduce nine team sports from the new year, recognizing the need to secure opportunities for these schools to present the results of club activities. , announced that it will accept participation in the joint team.
Combined teams will be able to participate in nine sports: water polo, basketball, volleyball, handball, soccer, rugby, softball, hockey and ice hockey.
On the other hand, joint teams are only allowed for reasons such as lack of club members and the consolidation of schools. I'm going to show you the rules.
In 2004, the number of students registered with the Federation of High School Athletic Federations was 1,273,383, but this year it is 1,106,272. It has decreased by more than 13%.