The Elizabethton girls’ basketball program has received sanctions due to a possible recruiting rule violation.
In a letter dated Feb. 19 to Elizabethton principal David Wright, the TSSAA accepted the action taken by the Elizabethton City School’s administration to place the program on probation for two calendar years – which will run until Feb. 19, 2018. The program is also being fined $1,000.
The program was charged with a possible violation of Article II, Section 17 (Recruiting Rule) of the TSSAA Bylaws.
The violation stems from a younger player’s grandmother approaching an assistant coach regarding a potential move into the school system district. The player, who attended another school, was invited by the assistant coach to come shoot at a workout along with a freshman practice. The violation was discovered by the athletic administration, and the player in question was removed from the practice. The coaching staff indicated they did not realize it was a violation.
In accordance with the rule, the student-athlete involved in the violation will be ineligible for one season in basketball at Elizabethton High School. For personal privacy, CarterCountySports.com will not publish the name of the student-athlete involved.
Other sanctions self-imposed includes a reduction in the number of off-season spring practice days during the first year of probation, reduction in number of summer practice days with no team vs. team competition allowed during the first year of probation, and will only be allowed one pre-season scrimmage during the first year of probation. The program will not be allowed to participate in a jamboree or Hall of Champions games during the first year as well.
The program may continue to participate in regular and post season contests while under probation.
