FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2009


Vero Beach girls lacrosse season ends

GAINESVILLE – The Vero Beach girls lacrosse team will not be advancing in the state series tournament for the 2009 season.

According to Policy 10 of the FHSAA Handbook, under "Eligibility for Participation in State Series", "Effective with the 2008-09 school year, a school must play not less than 60 percent of its regular season contests in the sport against FHSAA member schools." Vero Beach confirmed its varsity girls lacrosse team played 10 out-of-state teams and eight FHSAA member schools in the regular season.

An appeal by the school was denied by FHSAA Executive Director Dr. Roger Dearing.

The bracket Vero Beach held is now vacated. The Benjamin School advances to the state semifinals.

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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