Thursday, November 11, 2004
VHSL changes penalty
varsity.roanoke.com
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CHARLOTTESVILLE - The Virginia High School League Executive Committee made a precedent-setting ruling Wednesday in L.C. Bird High School's appeal of an earlier penalty for using an ineligible player in football games this season.
The committee voted 5-0 to change the original penalty of four forfeited victories and a $100 fine to no forfeits and a $2,500 fine. L.C. Bird, a Group AAA school in Chesterfield, is now 7-2.
The student in question transferred from Manchester to Bird over the summer, but the district superintendent did not formally approve the transfer, a requirement for VHSL eligibility, until Oct.18, according to VHSL spokesman Tom Zimorski.
Members of the appeals committee who voted 5-0 in favor of Bird said the case was unique and that the original penalties should be modified.
Cave Spring forfeited six victories in 2000 because of an ineligible player and had its appeal rejected. Rockbridge County and Magna Vista also have forfeited football victories in the last four years because of ineligible players.
- Staff report
