UIL COMMITTEE DENIES WAIVER FOR BURTON FOOTBALL PLAYER; FORFEITURE RULING STANDS

The UIL District 13-2A Division II District Executive Committee has denied Burton ISD’s request for a retroactive waiver for a football player previously deemed ineligible.

According to Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy, the committee voted 5-1 at an emergency meeting this (Wednesday) afternoon to not allow Burton to proceed with a waiver to the UIL regarding the ineligible player.  Therefore, the previous ruling from the committee last week stands, meaning Burton will have to forfeit seven wins on the season.

Iola was the only school district on the committee that voted in favor of Burton.

Dr. Kennedy said today’s meeting came about after the committee ruled last week that the team used a player that was ineligible because of “clerical errors” with the student’s Burton address on the Previous Athletic  Participation Form (PAFP).

When asked if there is any way to appeal the committee’s decision, Dr. Kennedy said there is an appeal process, but the school district was directed by UIL to pursue the option of submitting a retroactive waiver through committee action.

Prior to the forfeitures, Burton was atop the district and had clinched a playoff berth.  Now, Burton (1-8, 1-4) will need to beat Iola (2-6, 2-3) and have Snook (4-5, 3-2) beat Milano (4-5, 2-3) on Friday in order to qualify for the playoffs.