Participation Error at NCSA Junior Nationals Costs Swimmers High School Eligibility

SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 7. ST. Ignatius out of Northern California has lost a pair of its swimmers, and forfeited two wins, due to a participation error at the National Club Swimming Association Junior Nationals according to the San Fran Preps.

Two St. Ignatius swimmers have been banned from the high school swim team for the rest of the season after competing for their club team, North Bay Aquatics, at the NCSA Junior Nationals in Orlando, Fla., in March.

St. Ignatius athletic director John Mulkerrins told the Examiner that “because the swimmers had not yet competed for the Wildcats, if the swimmers would have only participated in individual events, St. Ignatius would have been in compliance.” However, since the two swimmers participated in relay events, the Central Coast Section deemed that they had declared their team choice for the season, and would not be eligible to compete for St. Ignatius.

“It's unfortunate for the two student-athletes involved in this case,” Mulkerrins said in an interview on Friday. “They are not allowed to compete for their high school because of an oversight in rules. We do understand that it is our responsibility to know the rules of our section and understand that the penalty is written that way to preserve the high school experience, which we believe in.”

This is not the first time that California high school competitors have been impacted by participation at the NCSA Junior Nationals. Notables like Cindy Tran made sure to compete unattached whenever she competed at the meet.

Full text of San Fran Preps article.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use