SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Girls Varsity Soccer Does West Ashley have to forfeit?

Coach P- Now you have really done it. There could be forfeits from the 80's to now. This topic needs to be moved to the coaches section

It is a good question. Any body know the answer?

A Question of Uniforms
Phil Bowman, The Post-Courier (Charleston), 6.2.03

The article Kyle Heise referred to, "A Question of Uniforms," by Philip M. Bowman of the Charleston Post & Courier, presents comments of two officials with the SCHSL. "Tim Flannery, an assistant director for the National Federation who serves as a liaison to the organization's soccer rules committee, says the difference in uniforms is not the issue." This quote is interesting since it is followed by the statement that South Carolina High School League Executive Director Ronnie "Matthews knows his decisions aren't always popular but said he's enforcing the rules put in place by the member schools. He said there have been times when athletes have been disqualified at the state track and field meet for uniform violations, which have included wearing jewelry during competition."

It doesn't seem to me that the SCHSL is speaking with one voice on this issue. Either the uniform is the issue or it isn't. In my humble opinion, the issue should be concerned with whether the referee's in that game would have let one of the girls play dressed in their JV uniforms. If they would have allowed anyone to enter the game despite a uniforms differences, whatever they are, then they would be ineligible. If you use their views then they are ineligible because they have uniforms that don't match. Only if their uniforms matched would they be ineligible because they were eighth graders.

My view on the comments from the two executives of the SCHSL suggests to me that if the JV girls were allowed to play then they would have been ineligible because the uniforms didn't match and the game could be forfeited. They didn't play so they can't be ruled ineligible. And if they are sitting on the bench dressed to play in ineligible uniforms but don't play, then how can they be ruled ineligible. If not, then it's a moot issue and the WA championship stands.

But then again, the issue has been decided by this time and the whole issue will be moot.

well im glad to say that its finally official. the lady wildcats of West Ashley high are in fact the 2003 AAAA state champions. they proved it on the field and now they have proven it in the courts. congrats girls!!

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don't hate the playa, hate the game

In a 5-4 decision, the West Ashley Lady Wildcats win the championship back! Thank you everyone for your support!

Now let the girls enjoy what they worked so hard for over the course of the season. Congratulations to West Ashley.

Congrats to West Ashley and great job by the decision makers on letting common sense prevail.

I guess the High School League doesn't have much validity in enforcing matters any more as they once again are defeated in the courts.

It's high time some action be taken against the HSL and those that are in charge of the organization. There are some pretty hefty salaries attached to this body, and obviously with as many issues that have gone against them this year, it being poorly run and managed.

Maybe some of you with more insight could shed some light on the organization as a whole?

Today's decision was not a court ruling. The initial ruling was by South Carolina High School League Executive Director Ronnie Matthews. His decision was appealed to the High School League Executive Committee. Today's ruling came from this committee. Below are the members:

Martie Tiller, Kershaw, President

Tara Dean, Laurens, Vice-President

Creig Tyler, Lexington, Past President

Henry Adair, Anderson, Class AAAA

Reggie Dean, Camden, Class AAA

Phil Flynn, Barnwell, Class AA

Keith McAlister, Richburg, Class A

Molly Spearman, Columbia, State Department of Education

John Kirby, Latta, Superintendents Association

Keith Bridges, Clinton, Principals Association

Frances Brewer, Charleston, School Boards Association

Ben Freeman, Pelion, Coaches Association

Rita Mantooth, Greenville, Associate Members

Marion Hope, Columbia, Officials Association

Donnie Woolsey, Easley, Athletic Administrators Association

Bernard McDaniel, Pamplico, Member at Large

Jubilation!