KHSAA Concludes Pike Co. Central Investigation

- Per WYMT:

Officials at Pike County Central have imposed a series of penalties on the school’s football program following the receipt of results and findings of a nearly year-long KHSAA investigation of the school’s football program. In addition, KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett imposed sanctions within the KHSAA Bylaws based on the
investigation.

The investigation centered on issues involving several association bylaws, with the efforts centered on KHSAA Bylaw6 (Transfer Rule) and Bylaw 10 (Recruiting) within the football program. As part of the findings, the KHSAA has agreed to accept the following self-imposed penalties by the Pike County Central administration:


- Forfeit all wins from the 2010 season;

- The head football coach will be suspended for one third of the team’s scheduled football games for the 2011 season. One of those games includes the Pike County Bowl, one away contest and one home contest;

- Development of a corrective action plan at Pike County Central within local district policies and based on proposed detailed elements; 

- Pike County Central will reimburse the KHSAA the out of pocket costs of the outside investigative assistance in the matter for in 2010-11 school year, approximately $3,000;

- Institute a mandatory training session staffed by the Pike County Board of Education representatives on local district policies and expectations;
- Institute a required training program for all coaches, as well as inclusion of the principal and athletic director, which shall be facilitated and conducted by KHSAA staff.

“I deeply understand the fact this is a black eye on our school district, and our school in particular, one that affects our staff, our students and myself personally,” said Pike County Central Principal David Rowe. “We want to ensure that this or any similar event does not happen again. After consulting with the superintendent, we have implemented appropriate measures that we feel will do just that.” In addition, the following penalties have been levied by the Association:

- If one does not already exist, a written handbook of rules and expectations for those involved in athletics at Pike County Central shall be developed. If one already exists, it shall be revised to ensure inclusion of items discovered during the investigation. This is due to the KHSAA by December 1, 2011;

- Submit written documentation that all self-penalties have been implemented;

- The football program will be placed on probation and remain on probation through the remainder of the 2011 season. Any further violation of KHSAA rules will result in additional penalties, but does not impact game scheduling or playoff eligibility;

- Pike County Central is issued an administrative fine in the amount of $3,500 for a lack of institutional control and failure to adequately monitor and ensure compliance with its football program. The fine shall be paid by the end of the 2011 football season.
“It is never easy to place sanctions on a school and potentially penalize young people, their families and school communities,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “However, the violations that have occurred are extremely serious in nature and our member schools expect this office to investigate and administer appropriate penalties prescribed by our bylaws. The administration at Pike County Central should be commended for the aggressive and decisive action in response to this situation. The proposed penalties represent a clear identification of the existing problems but strong leadership in resolving them and ensuring they do not happen again.”

The KHSAA will have no further comment. For additional comment please contact the administration at Pike County Central High School.