FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2007
Westlake Prep removed from FHSAA Class 1A Boys Basketball Championship
GAINESVILLE – Westlake Preparatory School in Davie has been removed from further participation in the 2007 FHSAA Class 1A Boys Basketball Championship.
The decision to remove the school's boys basketball team from the playoffs was made after the FHSAA Office learned that the school had allowed an ineligible student-athlete to participate in its opening game in the District 1A-15 Tournament on Tuesday.
The school was notified of the decision in writing on Wednesday.
The student-athlete in question transferred to Westlake Prep from South Florida Preparatory Christian Academy in Oakland Park on Jan. 19. The student-athlete lived in Palm Beach County and had commuted daily to South Florida Prep in Broward County using public transportation. His transfer to Westlake Prep coincided with his relocation to an address in proximity to Westlake Prep.
Westlake Prep officials believed that because the transfer corresponded with a change of address, the student-athlete was eligible in their school. FHSAA Bylaw 11.4.2, however, states that the corresponding change in address must make it necessary for the student to attend a different school. Westlake Prep did not request a ruling on the student-athlete's eligibility from the FHSAA Office before allowing him to play.
In ruling the student-athlete ineligible on Wednesday, the FHSAA Office concluded that the change in address did not make it necessary for the student-athlete to attend a different school, because he could still commute to South Florida Prep from his new address using public transportation.
In addition to being directed to forfeit the games in which the ineligible student-athlete participated, Westlake Prep was assessed the following penalties:
1. Reprimand.
2. The school's boys basketball program is placed on restrictive probation beginning immediately and continuing through the conclusion of the 2007-08 school year. During this period, the school's boys basketball program is restricted as follows:
• Prohibition on participation in the FHSAA State Boys Basketball Series; and
• Prohibition on participation in a preseason classic tournament.
3. The school is fined $5,000.
FHSAA Commissioner John A. Stewart heard an emergency appeal by the school. While Westlake Prep did not contest the findings of the FHSAA Office, it did request a reduction in the penalties assessed. Stewart reduced the fine from $5,000 to $2,500, but informed the school that any appeal of the restrictive probation would have to be made before the FHSAA Board of Directors when it meets March 25 in Gainesville.
About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletic competition in Florida. It has a membership of more than 750 middle and senior public and private high schools. More information is available at www.fhsaa.org.
Contacts:
Jack Watford
Director of Communications, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 170
jwatford@fhsaa.org
