Violation & Penalty @DHS

A letter from Jeffrey K. Sullivan, Ed.D. Director, Systemwide Athletics,

Montgomery County Public Schools

Damascus Community,

I am writing to inform you of a violation of Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) athletic rules and regulations by the Damascus football program. It was reported that an out-of-season practice took place on the Damascus High School stadium field on May 19, 2019. Following an investigation, it was confirmed that a number of returning Damascus football players and coaches conducted an out-of-season practice.  The practice occurred during a restricted period, in which there are parameters in place regarding the number of returning players and the ability of coaches to coach teams outside of the confines of the official season.

When violations of athletic regulations occur, specific procedures must be followed and penalties imposed, per the regulations outlined in the MPSSAA Handbook. As a result of this violation, penalties have been imposed that are consistent with MPSSAA regulations including imposing forfeitures of the first game of the 2019 season for both the Damascus varsity and junior varsity football teams.

As members of the MPSSAA, it is imperative that all MCPS schools adhere to the rules and regulations that all schools in the state of Maryland have collectively agreed upon for the equitable participation and administration of interscholastic athletics. Moving forward, through the ongoing probationary oversight of the Damascus football program, the systemwide athletics unit and school leadership will continue to the support the program with promoting the R.A.I.S.E. core values of MCPS athletics and ensuring that the program is being conducted in alignment with all MCPS and MPSSAA rules and regulations. A meeting for all returning football players will be held during lunch on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in Room 120, to answer any questions.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey K. Sullivan, Ed.D. Director, Systemwide Athletics Montgomery County Public Schools