Fayetteville to forfeit 6 wins

[Varo]

30 minutes ago, PullinGuard said:

My final thoughts on the matter prior to the appeal.

The intent of the territory definition and rule seem clear.  The TSSAA gives full authority over area served to the local school board.  That's inarguable, in my opinion. 

The territory rule mentions both 'geographic boundaries and bus routes' as defining the territory, without giving any guidance as to which governs if there is a conflict.  Menees' ruling give complete deference to bus routes and ignores geographic boundaries entirely. 

Now, FHS and LCHS are in two entirely separate systems - this is important.  There is no authority anywhere that gives the right to define area served to anyone other than the individual school boards.  There are no 'zones' for high schools in Lincoln County established by anyone, anywhere (beyond Menees).   

I believe that the 'bus route' specification is intended to define which high school is to be attended in a multi-high school system that has buses.  The bus that comes by your house obviously shows what the school board's intent is.  And the TSSAA rules clearly intend to defer to the school board to decide which students are meant to attend which school.

Menees' ruling depends 100% on bus routes and ignores 'geographic boundaries' entirely.  What could justify that, when both are mentioned?  Not only are they both mentioned, but 'geographic boundaries' is mentioned first.  That's obviously not alphabetical order.  Absent any other guidance, this order for the specifications implies that the geographic boundary definition is more important than the bus routes specification.  You might like to argue that, but it is not arguable that there is no remote indication that bus routes are to be considered superior.  I believe bus routes are meant to be used to fully understand the school boards intent when there are multiple high schools and zone in a system.  I think it's also meant to provide as much convenience as possible for a student and family.  

I believe that Menees' ruling incorrectly conflates FHS and LCHS as if they are a part of a single system.  If that were the case, the consideration of the two system's bus routes would reasonably define the intention of a theoretical single school board.  I think it is clear that, instead, the two Boards are in clear competition and not cooperation with each other (I and many others can assure you of this).  If the two Boards had 'agreed' on where each would run buses, then I'd agree with Menees.  They did not and do not plan anything together, including bus routes. 

In the end, the TSSAA clearly intends that the local school board be the only authority that defines their territory.  A competing school board is not granted this authority.  There is no prohibition or regulation of overlapping school systems with respect to area served. 

It is 100% clear that the Fayetteville School Board explicitly defines their geographic area to be all of Lincoln County.  The bus routes are merely reflective of economic realities and in 50 years have never had anything at all to do with where the Fayetteville School Board expects their students to come from.  The TSSAA rules defer entirely to the local school boards intent.  

 

 

 

A very well thought out, lucid, and presented argument sir.  Thank you.   I wish that the B.O.C. would have access to this post to help them see what the crux of the matter is and to help them w/ their decision later today.  Go Tigers!

[tubthumper]

15 hours ago, Waker said:

Yes. Not just the kids from Fayetteville. It’s the fact that there are 9 different teams(8 have completely followed the rules)full of kids that have been put on hold. Both Fayetteville and the TSSAA are at fault and it’s a disgrace. It has been a failure on both ends.

They easily could have held the meeting Saturday or Sunday, but instead are waiting until today (tuesday) to make a decision. Some teams seniors may practice two full days and then be told their season and football career is over. Total mess in my opinion by the TSSAA

[Southtowner]

9 hours ago, OriginalWishBone said:

Could they play at 2:00 on Saturday?

It's my understanding they can as long as both schools agree. 

[Southtowner]

1 hour ago, tubthumper said:

They easily could have held the meeting Saturday or Sunday, but instead are waiting until today (tuesday) to make a decision. Some teams seniors may practice two full days and then be told their season and football career is over. Total mess in my opinion by the TSSAA

This hearing was scheduled for last week until someone decided to forgo the hearing and file a restraining order.  I can't lay blame at the foot of one and not the other. 

[Moknows3]

21 minutes ago, Southtowner said:

This hearing was scheduled for last week until someone decided to forgo the hearing and file a restraining order.  I can't lay blame at the foot of one and not the other. 

Proud of FHS for taking a stand in what they believe is right and against the dirty dealings  of the T$$AA. 

[Southtowner]

2 minutes ago, Moknows3 said:

Proud of FHS for taking a stand in what they believe is right and against the dirty dealings  of the T$$AA. 

They're not taking any more of a stand today than they could have taken last week. 

[Raider1234]

2 minutes ago, Southtowner said:

They're not taking any more of a stand today than they could have taken last week. 

[Southtowner]

1 minute ago, Raider1234 said:

This most likely would have already been resolved.  

[Southtowner]

Is Fayetteville prepared to take this thing further if they don't get the ruling they desire today?  

@PullinGuard

[PullinGuard]

Just now, Southtowner said:

Is Fayetteville prepared to take this thing further if they don't get the ruling they desire today?  

@PullinGuard

I have no idea. 

[PullinGuard]

53 minutes ago, Southtowner said:

It's my understanding they can as long as both schools agree. 

I believe that all games affected are scheduled for 7pm Saturday, but can be played at any earlier time (up to Friday at 7) with mutual agreement between the schools. 

[Southtowner]

2 minutes ago, PullinGuard said:

I have no idea. 

I was hoping you'd be there to break down the language of this hearing. Very important for everyone to hear exactly what is said.