FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2008


Nature Coast, South Lake football seasons end

GAINESVILLE – The Florida High School Athletic Association has cancelled the remaining football games for Nature Coast (Brooksville) and South Lake (Groveland) due to the incident that occured between the schools on Nov. 7. This includes the FHSAA football playoffs for Nature Coast and a bowl game for South Lake.

Nature Coast was scheduled to play Williston High School tonight. Due to the decision made by the FHSAA, the bracket Nature Coast held is now vacated.

"The Association was very responsible in its investigation, not just to Nature Coast, but to South Lake as well," said John A. Stewart, FHSAA executive director.

Nature Coast has been fined $10,400 as indicated below:
- In accordance with Bylaw 8.1.1 and Policy 45, Item #23 and Item #20 ($500);
- In accordance with Policy 45, Item #18 ($5,100); and
- In accordance with Policy 32, forty-eight (48) counts of regular unsportsmanlike conduct ($4,800)

Nature Coast's football program is placed on administrative probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year, and concludes at the end of the 2009-10 school year. The football program has also been placed on restrictive probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.

South Lake has been fined $8,500 as indicated below:
- In accordance with Bylaw 8.1.1 and Policy 45, Item #23 and Item #20 ($500);
- In accordance with Policy 45, Item #18 ($3,800); and
- In accordance with Policy 32, forty-two (42) counts of regular unsportsmanlike conduct ($4,200)

South Lake's football program is placed on administrative probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year, and concludes at the end of the 2009-10 school year. The football program has also been placed on restrictive probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.

The two schools may seek a reduction in the penalties assessed upon successful completion of an FHSAA approved sportsmanship education program.

Click here for the letter sent to Nature Coast

Click here for the letter sent to South Lake

About the FHSA
The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.  It has a membership of more than 750 middle and senior high schools, and sponsors postseason competitions to determine the official state high school champions in 30 different sports. The 16-member FHSAA Board of Directors is the executive authority of the Association.

Contacts:
Cristina Alvarez
Director of Media Relations & Marketing, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 190
calvarez@fhsaa.org

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