FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 22, 2007


Osceola High School (Kissimmee) reprimanded, fined for athletic recruiting violations

GAINESVILLE – Osceola High School of Kissimmee has been penalized by the FHSAA for recruiting violations in its athletic program.

On August 9, the FHSAA Office received a report from the Osceola County School District regarding results of an internal investigation concerning violations of FHSAA and Osceola County School District regulations. The investigation centered on the school's violation of FHSAA rules prohibiting athletic recruiting, which, according to the report, was accomplished in part through the use of email generated from the Osceola High School athletic department. The report also concluded the school's principal was aware the email was a potential violation and did not report this finding to the FHSAA or Osceola district officials for seven days.

Due to the extensiveness of the school district's internal investigation and the sanctions placed on the school and its personnel, the FHSAA treated the case as a self-reported violation by Oseola High School, and imposed the following penalties in order to be consistent with similar cases:

1. Reprimand.

2. Osceola High School's entire athletic program is placed on administrative probation for a period of three years, beginning immediately and ending at the conclusion of the 2009-10 school year. Administrative probation is a period of warning during which additional violations committed by the school could result in more severe penalties than would normally be imposed.

3. The school is fined $5,000.

FHSAA bylaws ensure the school's right to appeal the Commissioner's findings, as well as the penalties assessed. The school has 10 business days to notify in writing the FHSAA Office if it intends to file an appeal.

» click here to download the public report (PDF, 555 K)

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.

Contact:
Robert Hernberger
Assistant Director of Communications, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 190
rhernberger@fhsaa.org