The American Mock Trial Association has changed its official policy to accommodate Jewish students who observe the Sabbath.

The organization's board of directors amended the rules to allow a team to change its trial schedule for the National High School Mock Trial Championship if it conflicts with the religious beliefs of one of its members.

The changes will become effective with the 2010 competition.

Earlier this year, a team from Boston's Maimonides School nearly had to cancel its participation in the competition because its trials were scheduled to be held on Shabbat.

Following a legal battle, the team's mock trials were pushed forward and held before the start of Shabbat.