Page 90 - 2023-24 By-Laws

Rule 17 - Investigations ... Waivers

A. No, neither a judgment call nor misapplication of a game rule by an official may be
protested or appealed. (rules 9-5, 16-2)
RULE 17 – INVESTIGATIONS – HEARINGS – DECISIONS – APPEAL – PENALTIES –
WAIVERS
17-1 General
The Association has and will continue to acquaint member Schools with its rules through
distribution of By-Laws, posters, leaflets and publications and, in turn, member School
administrators shall acquaint staff members, coaches and participants with the Association
rules.
17-1.2 School’s Responsibility to Cooperate
All representatives of member Schools shall fully cooperate with the staff, Committee and
Directors of the Association to further the objectives of the Association and its investigation
and enforcement programs. The Association’s investigation and enforcement policies and
procedures are an essential part of the athletic program of each member School and require
full and complete disclosure of any relevant information requested by the Association during the
course of any investigation and/or enforcement proceedings and full and complete compliance
with all Association decisions, directives, sanctions and penalties.
17-2 School Investigation and Decision
17-2.1 Investigation
When it comes to a principal’s attention that a rule may have been violated, the principal
shall conduct an investigation to determine if, in fact, a violation has occurred. If time and the
circumstance permit, and as part of the investigation, the principal shall notify the party or
parties being investigated:
a. that such investigation is being conducted;
b. the rule alleged to have been violated;
c. that rule 17 applies;
d. the date of the suspected violation;
e. that action could be taken pursuant to rule 17-7 if a violation is found; and
f. that such party or parties shall furnish to the principal such information as may be pertinent
to the matter.
17-2.2 Decision and Notification
Within a reasonable time after the investigation, the principal shall determine if a violation has
occurred and, if so, the action to be taken. The party or parties investigated shall be notified
in writing of the principal’s decision, the rule upon which the decision is based and the action
to be taken.
17-2.3 Review by Association
The principal’s notification of the decision shall also inform the party or parties of the right to
seek a review by the Association of the principal’s decision by notifying the principal, by certified
mail, of their request for a review within Seven (7) days after the issuance of the principal’s
decision. If no request for a review is received within Seven (7) days after the issuance of the
principal’s decision, the principal’s decision shall be final.
17-2.4 Referral to Association for Review
Upon receipt by the principal of a timely request for review of the decision, the principal shall
immediately forward the request to the Association, along with the decision and reasons for
such decision.
17-2.5 Referral to Association for Investigation
If, after conducting an investigation, the principal is unable to make a decision or is unable
to fashion an appropriate sanction or remedy, the matter may, with the concurrence of the
Commissioner or his/her designee be referred to the Association for further investigation and/or
a decision. In such a case, the principal shall notify the party or parties being investigated that
the matter is being referred to the Association for further investigation and/or a decision, and
that they have the opportunity to present any pertinent information not previously presented
to the principal.

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