ISHPEMING -- Organizers from the website Change.org have petitioned the Michigan High School Athletic Assocation to change a rule that prohibits high school students older than 19 from playing varsity athletics.

Ishpeming High School junior Eric Dompierre, who has down syndrome, was recently informed that he will not be eligible to play for his varsity basketball team next season, when he turns 20 years old.

Opponents of the MHSAA rule say it should be altered to make exceptions for students with disabilities, many of whom start school late and may take longer to graduate.

"The crowds for opposing teams cheer when he's in the game, whether its basketball or football," said Michael Jones, deputy campaign director for Change.org.

Jones says the online petition already has more than 6,000 signatures.

"The constitution can only be changed by a 2/3 vote of member schools," said MHSAA Associate Director Tom Rashid.

This rule change would put Michigan in line with 23 other states, including neighboring Ohio, that allow student athletes who have experienced a hardship due to intellectual or phsyical disabilities early in life to play for four years in high school