Katrina victims eligible to play

By: Terry Monahan - North County Times | Monday, September 19, 2005 8:55 PM PDT ∞

In anticipation of an influx of families from states affected by Hurricane Katrina, the state CIF has enacted a policy that will provide immediate athletic eligibility to any athlete from Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama who relocated to California to escape the disaster.

That policy went into effect last week.

Marie Ishida, the CIF executive director, has directed all schools in the 10 sections around the state to follow a uniform procedure in dealing with those victims who are unable to participate back home.

All relocated students wishing to play sports in the state must fill out a waiver. It must be approved by that student's new principal, who will determine if that student meets all of the state's requirements for eligibility.

This policy applies to students displaced by Hurricane Katrina only. Any other transfers are subject to the normal section and state bylaws.

With some schools' records destroyed by the hurricane, the CIF will rely on the integrity of the information provided by students, guardians and their school personnel to determine eligibility.

"We realize there may be abuses along the line, but we don't want that potential to dictate how we treat these students,'' Ishida said in a press release announcing the ruling. "We need to be as compassionate as possible with these students and their families as they have experienced situations that none of us should ever have to go through.''

Dennis Ackerman, the CIF San Diego Section commissioner, acknowledged his office has already received calls from county schools about students coming from Gulf Coast states.

"We've gotten calls from schools all over the county,'' Ackerman said. "They know they're getting students, but they don't know yet if they're getting athletes in there."

Prospective football players must have 10 days of practice before they can play in a game. For all other sports, the waiting period is five days of practice.

"And once they become eligible here, they can stay and participate here until the end of their high school careers, providing they meet the grade standards each semester,'' Ackerman said. "This policy does not just cover one year and then they have to leave and go home.

"I'm sure there might be problems because there are no records back at some of the schools these kids have left behind, but we'll have to trust the site principal to determine eligibility.''

Ejection meeting

The first meeting for players ejected from athletic contests this year took place last week.

In all, four football players ---- one varsity and three junior varsity ---- attended the mandatory one-hour session with Ackerman.

The players weren't the only ones at the meeting at the CIF office. Their parents, coach and an administrator from their school were also there.

"If you don't show up, you won't be allowed to play until you get that class," Ackerman said. "Somehow, I think we'll have perfect attendance."

Ackerman pointed out players would be wise not to get ejected during the Christmas break because the CIF office closes for two weeks, so the next chance for a meeting won't come until league play begins.

The next meeting with Ackerman is Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m.

On the line

There is more at stake today when Orange Glen faces San Marcos in a girls volleyball match to tip off the Valley League portion of the schedule.

San Marcos coach Michell Axlund and Orange Glen coach Nathan Rendon are engaged to be married. The wedding will take place July 15 in Escondido.

"We've talked about whoever loses that match has to take the other coach to dinner,'' Axlund said. "But the loser might also have to wear the colors of the winning team to practice the next day.

"Whatever, there will be a bet involved between us.''

Terry Monahan is a staff writer for the North County Times. He can be reached at (760) 739-6648 or tmonahan@nctimes.com.