23 Jan 2009
Comprehensive Review, Recent Investigations Show Need for Improvement
DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District announced today that it is implementing a series of "best-practices" procedures to ensure district-wide compliance with athletic eligibility rules and policies.
The procedures are the result of a comprehensive review of existing school district policies, procedures and practices used by the district's 22 high schools with regard to athletics eligibility determinations and monitoring. The review was conducted by a law firm widely considered to be the nation's leader in counseling colleges and universities on athletic compliance matters, including eligibility certification systems.
"Our goal is to put in place a system that will ensure that every school in the district is in full compliance with regard to state law, district policy and UIL rules and regulations," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "Clearly, in light of recent allegations, investigations and actions into and by various athletic programs in the district, this is an area that needs to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. As these issues did not develop overnight, it will take time to implement all of these procedures."
The athletic review was conducted by the Collegiate Sports Practice Group of the Kansas City firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC. Among other findings, the review noted confusion throughout the district with regard to the content and application of interscholastic eligibility rules. It also noted the absence of centralized district coordination of student-athlete eligibility decisions.
The review made ten recommendations for best practices including the development of a district-wide eligibility compliance infrastructure overseen by an eligibility compliance officer, a position that has recently been posted. Other recommendations include creating an electronic audit system for eligibility decisions, increased rules education for coaches, stricter enforcement and monitoring of attendance zone and transfer rules, as well as comprehensive written student-athlete eligibility certification procedures and forms.
"As a former basketball coach in this district, it is imperative that every school, coach and team play by the same set of rules as it relates to athletic eligibility," said Hinojosa. "Anything less violates the spirit of sportsmanship. The hiring of a compliance officer and implementation of most, if not all recommendations, should send a message that the district is serious about athletics eligibility issues."
In 2008, the district notified the University Interscholastic League that two schools violated policy regarding the use of student-athletes. As a result, the district forfeited the 2006 state boys basketball championship earned on the court by South Oak Cliff High School and the 2007 district football championship won by Roosevelt High School. An independent legal review into other state championships won by South Oak Cliff High School is continuing.
"We have a responsibility to maintain fairness in all areas of athletic competition," said Hinojosa. "If it is determined that rules or policies were violated, we have shown by our actions in the past that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action. In the meantime, the best practices recommended in this report must be seriously considered in order to ensure compliance and level the playing field for student athletes district-wide."