Mr. Foley,
The H.S. League is responsible for more than one sport. I think one of the rationales for the rule may be to allow some students to play Winter sports(ie-basketball) for their H.S. without feeling the presure to try out for soccer. There is also the argument that H.S. sports should not distract too much from education. There are a lot of very positive aspects of H.S. soccer in S.C. but with the exception of 10-20 schools that have good coaches, high level player development is not one of them. Many top players depend on club soccer for their individual development. Don't get me wrong, a good H.S. coach can have a great experience in S.C. and the state and I will welcome you with open arms if in fact you move here. S.C. may have some, what you may call, peculiar soccer rules and customs but we'll fight stubbornly against change. Heck, we're still fighting the WAR of NORTHERN AGRESSION.
