Coach Follows Athlete?by: The Ref

I have been apprised of the Situation by the Spiderman and have read the pertinent post on the subject.

The question is a good one; but the subject contains only a few possibilities.

First and foremost, an investigation into inappropriate action can always be initiated by the principle of a school that wishes to bring forth accusations of rules violations. I say the principle because he/she must sign off on any request for an investigation; but in reality it would be the athletic director that writes up the allegations from information he may have obtained from his coach or an outside source.

The facts as it pertains to this case have not been made public, so I will write on the subject based on the assumptions that the Wrestler in question did in fact transfer to American Prior his coach and it was in subsequent manner that the coach came to the same school as his former wrestler. While I am aware of no such rule that would prohibit eligibility of an athlete based on his coach relocating to a school to which that individual had previously relocated, there are other circumstances that would justify cause for investigation.

An investigation may be launched on the pretext that the athlete had prior knowledge that his coach would be leaving for a position at another school and moved to that school in preemptive manner. While this would be very hard to prove because the Athlete or his guardian would basically have to corroborate that they were aware of the coaches imminent departure and destination, it is nevertheless a suitable inquiry if the former school desires to bring forth such allegations. If such corroboration may be obtained, prima fascia evidence of recruiting may be established, and the athlete’s eligibility would be withdrawn; the coach would face sanctions and quite possibly the institution as well.

An investigation may also be launched to certify the athletes existing residence, and that he resides with the same legal guardian as in the previous calendar year. The onus to legitimize the residence is on the school in which the athlete is currently enrolled. In other words, it is up to the school to police itself and the legitimacy of their athlete’s residences. If however outside proof were brought forth showing that the school may have not done it’s due diligence, or may have been deceived by the athlete, the FHSAA and the GMAC both have a right to use the evidence presented to prohibit the athlete from participating. Just as a point of reference, the situation I describe is similar to the situation of a few years back with South ridge and a wrestler that transferred there from Killian. South Ridge sent out their personnel to confirm residence and approved the athlete, but upon further evidence brought forth by a third party (Video Tape) of the athlete living in another location, the GMAC rescinded the athlete’s eligibility.

These are the only two legitimate scenarios I can think of by which the athlete in question my have his eligibility challenged based on the information provided.

The Ref