District Statement on Goose Creek Gators Court Decision

Release, Berkeley County School District:

Moncks Corner, SC — The Berkeley County School District was granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) decision to disqualify the Goose Creek football team from the playoff game tonight against Bluffton.

The TRO will allow Goose Creek to play and continue their season until a hearing can be held in the eligibility matter.  

At the hearing this morning in front of Judge Roger Young, Ninth Circuit, at the Berkeley County Courthouse, Judge Young granted the temporary restraining order to restrict the ability of the SCHSL to prevent Goose Creek from playing.
According to Judge Young, the SCHSL must convene in open session on Monday, Nov. 19 by 5 p.m. and reconsider the eligibility requirements based on its rules.  Any decision must be explained in writing.  It is unknown if SCHSL will appeal Judge Young's decision today.

On Monday, Nov. 12, Goose Creek High School Principal Jimmy Husky contacted the SCHSL when it was found that a student transcript used at the beginning of the season was incomplete.  The student's transcript was pulled to determine eligibility for winter sports and the updated transcript showed different information from what was originally available in August. On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the league determined that Goose Creek would be ineligible to compete based on the SCHSL commissioner's determination. At an appeals hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 14, the league voted to uphold the SCHSL decision and deny the team's appeal, despite hardship circumstances.  The district chose to pursue legal options on Thursday, Nov. 15.  

"Our kids should not be punished inappropriately," Goose Creek football coach Chuck Reedy, said.  "We did nothing wrong, we self-reported, and we were penalized at an appeal hearing.  We are going to play tonight with confidence that our student athletes deserve to be on that field."

The Joye Law Firm, representing the district pro bono, sought the TRO to prevent SCHSL from enforcing Wednesday's decision.

"We ask our kids to play with integrity, honor and sportsmanship," Reedy stated.  "Pursuing every option available demonstrates our belief that we must uphold these attributes on and off the field.  It shows our kids that doing the right thing is always the best option."

Goose Creek will play Bluffton in the Division 2, AAAA playoff game at 7:30 tonight at Goose Creek.