Ray Heims Invitational Springfield Organizers: Apologize For Booting Girl Who "Looked Like a Boy" and Change Your Policies

Milagros "Mili" Hernandez, an 8-year old from Omaha, was booted along with her team after officials incorrectly asserted that she was a boy.

Although Mili's family told officials that she was a girl and even brought identification for them to examine, the officials still refused.

"They just weren't listening," said Mili. "They said I looked like a boy. My brother says it's only because of my looks. So when they look at me they think I'm a boy but I'm really not."

This is not only a case of gender discrimination - it's a case against young girls everywhere who participate in team sports. No young girl should be denied the right to play a game because her looks don't meet an official's standards for femininity.

While the NSSA has apologized, the organizers of the tournament have yet to. Urge them to change their official policies so all girls can enjoy playing, and ensure that Mili can play in all future games.