The justices rule unanimously that coaches' recruitment efforts aren't protected as free speech.
By David G. Savage and Eric Sondheimer
Times Staff Writers

WASHINGTON - High schools with big-time sports ambitions were dealt a setback Thursday when the Supreme Court upheld a rule that forbids coaches from recruiting young athletes.

In a 9-0 decision, the justices said the 1st Amendment's guarantee of free speech does not shield coaches who ignore the rules of fair competition by contacting students and encouraging them to enroll in their school.