FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 28, 2009


Jensen Beach-Suncoast girls soccer district championship outcome reversed

GAINESVILLE – The Florida High School Athletic Association has reversed the final outcome of the Jensen Beach-Suncoast (Riviera Beach) Class 4A-14 girls soccer district championship game.

Initially, the game went to sudden-victory overtime with Jensen Beach scoring nine minutes into the extra frame. The officials did not end the contest at that point and allowed play to continue through the end of a second sudden-victory overtime period. Suncoast had scored a tying goal during the second sudden-victory overtime. The game was ultimately decided by penalty kicks, with Suncoast emerging on top with a 5-4 advantage.

According to Overtime Procedure 106.05(1) in the girls soccer manual, "…The first goal scored in the sudden-victory overtime period shall terminate the game."

"The officials involved agreed that they misapplied the overtime rule, and when the goal was scored at the ninth minute of the first overtime, Jensen Beach should have been declared the winner.

"We contacted the officials and the schools involved, and all the parties involved believe this is the right thing to do," said Roger Dearing, Executive Director.

Arrangements for the regional quarterfinals for both schools are being finalized.

About the FHSAA
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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