Boys Soccer: Gig Harbor Appeal Unlikely to Succeed

boys soccer head coach issued to his team last week, but, according to WIAA policy, his appeal is likely to be denied.

Northstrom is appealing a "violent conduct" red card handed out to goalkeeper Korey Durkee last week against Bellarmine Prep. Durkee is accused of going out of his way to step on a prone Bellarmine player, a claim that Northstrom strongly denies.

But according to WIAA policy, Northstrom's appeal will not be processed. The WIAA issues an appeals process if there is a question about a rules interpretation, but not when it comes to a judgment call made by the referee. For example, if Durkee had been giving a "violent conduct" red card for an illegal handball, there would be an appeals process because the rule was improperly applied. But when it comes to a "violent conduct" offense that involves a physical altercation, the judgment of the referee holds up and there will be no appeals process.

"If the appeal is for a misapplication or misinterpretation of the rule, then there is a process," WIAA Assistant Executive Director John Miller said. "If it's a judgment call on the part of the official, there is no appeal."

Northstrom said he has been informed that his appeal has been delivered to WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese, but, barring a break from procedure, his appeal is likely to go no further.

Assuming the appeal is denied, Gig Harbor will find itself on probation. Another "violent conduct" or "abusive language" red card would eliminate the Tides from the postseason.

If Gig Harbor makes it to the postseason without another red card, a three-person "impartial games committee" will be present at each playoff game. If Gig Harbor gets another "violent conduct" or "abusive language" red card during a playoff game, the committee will confer with the referee and if the call holds up, the Tides would be forced to forfeit the game and be eliminated from the playoffs.

Miller said that the WIAA does not suspect that this rule will affect many teams and the evidence seems to point to Gig Harbor's case being a unique one.

"We've tracked this over the last two years, only one school would have been put on probation," Miller said. "We don't see this happening very frequently."

Northstrom said his team has begun to come with grips with its probationary status and is focused on finishing the season strong.

"We've already moved on," Northstrom said. "There's nothing we can do about it."