Nine high school girls’ lacrosse players in Connecticut who violated CIAC inseason rules have been reinstated for the post-season play but the teams they play on will have to forfeit games played from May 15-23. None of the teams involved are from the New Haven area. They are Avon, Norwich Free Academy, Ridgefield, Staples, New Fairfield and New Canaan.
The nine girls participated in a tryout on May 15 for the Underclassman Games of the Under Armour All American Lacrosse Classic. According to the CIAC, the participation was in violation of the CIAC Student Eligibility rules pertaining to participation on outside teams during the CIAC defined sport season. After reviewing documentation in an appeal today from the member schools and information from Under Armour representatives, CIAC Executive Board members ruled that the girls would be reinstated for the postseason today. But the teams the girls play on will have to forfeit all games played between May 15-23 and CIAC tournament seedings will be adjusted accordingly.
On Monday, the CIAC was informed by the principals of all six schools of the violations.
“This was strictly a communication issue between the players and the schools,” said CIAC associate executive director Paul Hoey. “Nothing maliscious was done and the girls didn’t know they were violating any rules. All the schools self-reported what happened to the CIAC on Monday.
“After the appeal process it was determined that the nine girls would be reinstated today and that they could play in the post season.”
According to a statement issued by the CIAC, the issue will be presented to the full CIAC Board following the 2011 spring season for discussion.