Gar-Field Eligibility Violation Ends Playoff Run

Hours before the Gar-Field Indians were scheduled to take on the Hylton Bulldogs in the Northwest Regional semi-final playoff game, Gar-Field was ruled ineligible to play.

Gar-Field Principal William Bixby said the school had discovered a possible eligibilty violation on Thursday and immediately reported it to the Virginia High School League, the governing body for high school sports in the state.

Late Friday morning, VHSL notified Gar-Field that a player who had participated in three games was ineligible and the team would have to forfeit those wins. With three fewer wins on its record, the team was no longer eligible for the playoffs.

According to sources within Gar-Field, the ineligible player was a fifth year transfer from out of state who joined the team in October and first took the field against Osbourn Park. High school players only have four years of eligibility.

Gar-Field appealed the decision, and a sub-committee of the VHSL Executive Committee heard the appeal Friday via conference call. After reviewing the case, the committee voted 4-0 to uphold the ruling.

"This was an extremely difficult case to hear, especially considering the timing and the consequences of any decision resulting from the appeal," said VHSL Executive Director Ken Tilley. "It’s important to note that Gar-Field immediately reported this violation to the League and cooperated fully to resolve the matter."

Gar-Field officials learned about the final ruling shortly before the day's dismissal from school. Bixby, the team's coaches, and Activities Director Michael Payne notified the team of the decision at 2:15 p.m. "This is obviously a very difficult way to conclude the season," Bixby said in a letter to parents. "These young men have worked hard and represented our school community with class and dignity. I cannot be more proud of them and our coaches. I thank them for their dedication and committment to Gar-Field High School and the community."

Tilley said that the decision was unfortunate, but necessary. "Even though there were some extenuating circumstances that the school presented and that were considered by the committee, the ultimate ruling was based on the need to uphold the integrity of the rules requiring verification of a student’s eligibility before he/she participates,” Tilley said.

Gar-Field had in the first round of the playoffs. According to league rules, Gar-Field was forced to forfeit that win and Osbourn instead will advance to the next round. Osbourn will play at Hylton on Monday at 7:30 p.m.