Teenage Football Player Sues Utah Association Over New Visa Rules

DRAPER — An 18-year-old high school student in Utah has taken legal action against the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) over a new rule that restricts foreign student-athletes. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Zac Szymakowski, a senior at Juan Diego Catholic High School, who moved to the U.S. from Australia on an F-1 visa, a type of student visa that allows international students to attend high school here.

According to his mother, Katie Tuckerman, Zac has been struggling since the UHSAA passed the new rule that bars students with F-1 visas from participating in varsity sports. Every week, she receives emotional phone calls from her son expressing hope for the chance to play again, but those hopes have been dashed since the rule took effect.

“Every Monday morning, he wakes up and he thinks, ‘This might be my week,'” she said. “And we’ve had to deal with that from home. … It’s not been easy.” Zac has always dreamed of playing American football, inspired by watching Chicago Bears games with his father.

The change to the UHSAA rules came as a shock to many, including Zac and his family. They were “gutted” when they realized the extent of the restrictions. The new rule primarily affects students on F-1 visas, who can choose their own schools and host families and are usually here for longer periods, unlike students who hold J-1 visas, which are limited by cultural exchange programs and other stipulations.

The rule, which took effect after investigations into potential recruiting violations at some private schools, has drawn criticism for being discriminatory. David Jordan, the attorney representing Zac, argues that it unfairly targets F-1 visa holders. “These students are attending Utah schools at the invitation of the United States of America… and they shouldn’t be treated differently than anyone else,” he stated.

Zac played on Juan Diego’s varsity team last year as a punter, but this season, the restrictions mean he cannot play. The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to allow him to participate in the remaining games of the season, emphasizing that the restrictive rule could cause “irreparable harm” to Zac if not addressed quickly. Zac’s parents have been traveling to Utah, hoping to witness their son play.

The lawsuit asserts that the new policy effectively bans F-1 visa holders from participating in varsity sports and creates a tough choice for schools: either comply with the rule and restrict certain students or opt out of state championships. Zac’s team, which reached the playoffs last year, now faces the challenge of competing under these new rules.

The UHSAA has stated that they passed restrictions, not a ban, insisting that schools can choose to either participate in the UHSAA and prohibit F-1 students from playing or allow these students to compete and forfeit playoff eligibility. The legal battle between the plaintiff and the association is just beginning, with ongoing discussions expected to clarify the future of foreign student-athletes in Utah high school sports.