FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 2, 2007


Gateway Charter penalized for violations in its football program

GAINESVILLE – Gateway Charter High School of Fort Myers has been penalized by the FHSAA for violations in its football program.

The investigation centered around a student-athlete who played football at the school while living with a Gateway Charter football coach – a violation of the FHSAA Policy on Recruiting, which prohibits a student-athlete from living on a full or part-time basis, regardless of whether rent is paid, with any school employee, athletic department staff member or representative of the school's athletic interests. According to FHSAA Bylaw 11.3.5: "The fact that guardianship papers have been issued, placing a student under the control of a person or persons other than his or her parent(s), does not establish eligibility." The school reported the student-athlete's participation in seven varsity football contests during the 2007 football season, all of which have been forfeited.

Given that Gateway Charter had been previously reprimanded in May 2007 for allowing ineligible student-athletes to participate in a spring football contest, the following penalties were imposed in this case:

1. A second reprimand.

2. Gateway Charter's football program is placed on restrictive probation beginning immediately and concluding at the end of the 2008-09 school year. For the two-year period, the following restrictions are imposed:
   • The school cannot participate in FHSAA State Football Series competition; and
   • The school cannot participate in a fall or spring jamboree or classic contest.

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 (4 ppg., PDF, 338 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
Director of Media Relations, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 190
rhernberger@fhsaa.org