Liberty basketball player ineligible to play, Liberty forfeits wins

A student-athlete at Liberty High School whose eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics technically ended last year has been removed from the Liberty basketball roster, effective immediately. The violation of NYSPHSAA (New York State Public High School Athletic Association) regulations will cause the team to forfeit four games and the player to sit out for the remainder of the season.

The oversight in eligibility was found during a review of Senior files prior to graduation and brought to the attention of Liberty administrators. It was found that the student, although enrolled as a freshman at Liberty High School during the 2007-2008 school year did not play basketball that year, but had exceeded the NYSPHSAA regulation regarding “Duration of Competition,” because he is currently enrolled at Liberty High School for the 2011-2012 academic period.

“Although this year would mark the fourth season that this student has played varsity basketball, his enrollment at Liberty High School exceeds the NYSPHSAA criteria,” said Liberty Superintendent Michael B. Vanyo. “In light of the recent controversy in other local schools, the administration felt the only way to handle this was to bring it to the attention of the Section IX Executive Director and Section IX Eligibility Chairperson, as well as the OCIAA Athletic Coordinator. It is very unfortunate for both the student and the team, but there really was no other choice. We are willing to accept the penalty imposed on us, which will ultimately be the forfeiture of the four games.”

The oversight was brought to the attention of recently-appointed Athletic Director Andy Buchsbaum, who acted immediately to rectify the situation with Liberty High School and District Administration. “Academic eligibility is a top priority for our student-athletes,” said Buchsbaum. “This was a unique and complicated situation. It has been hard on everyone, but we expect our athletes to play by the rules, and we, as a district need to as well.”

The forfeiture of four games will potentially put Liberty’s record at 0-7. “The team and the student are handling this as well as can be expected,” said Buchsbaum. “They are disappointed, of course, but know it was the right thing to do.”

For more information, contact Liberty Central School District Public Information / Communications Specialist Allison Ruef at 845-292-5400 ext. 2055 or email to: aruef@libertyk12.org.