IHSA Announcements

February 25, 1999

Warsaw Basketball Player Ruled Ineligible

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, 1999, Warsaw High School reported to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) that a question has arisen regarding the eligibility of a student. IHSA staff members subsequently investigated this matter. Based upon the findings of the investigation, Executive Director Dave Fry found Thursday (Feb. 25) that the student no longer meets the requirements of the IHSA Policy regarding Eligibility of Emancipated Students, causing him to be in noncompliance with IHSA Residence by-law 3.031.3.

IHSA staff found that:
  1. The student was no longer gainfully employed in the community.
  2. The student does earn money working for the family he resides with in Warsaw, but that income is less than income from his previous employment status in the community.
  3. The amount of rent paid by the student to the family with which he resides in Warsaw has been significantly reduced since the change in his employment status in the community.
  4. The student affirmed that he would not be able to support himself on the amount of money he presently earns working for the family in the current circumstances.
In addition, the information which has come to light regarding the eligibility status of the student may cause IHSA to continue to investigate whether other violations of IHSA by-laws have occurred.

The IHSA Constitution provides for an appeal process.

Warsaw played its first game in the 1999 regional tournament Wednesday. The student did not participate in that game. Use of an ineligible player in an athletic contest requires the school to forfeit. Warsaw is scheduled to play again in the regional Friday.