Spectator Editorial: The 'I' in team
Parents, players, officials should have spotted player's ineligibility
Spectator Staff
Issue date: 2/15/06 Section: Editorial/Opinion
Sometimes misconduct by the few leads to repercussions for the many. And no matter how disappointing and unfair those repercussions can seem, they are right and proper. This condition is exceedingly relevant to the controversy surrounding Eau Claire Memorial High School hockey.
Last week, Memorial Principal Tim Leibham announced the Memorial hockey team would have to forfeit all games in which senior defenseman Shawn Mahder played, according to a Leader- Telegram article.
The WIAA and school administration deemed Mahder ineligible after it was revealed that his parents listed their business address on school documents, placing him in the Eau Claire School District for the past six years. The Mahder family actually resides in Chippewa Falls.
While the forfeiture strips the team of their conference championship, rankings for their post-game competition are still dictated by the team's original record, according to www.wisconsinprephockey.net.
While the forfeited games serve as consequences that perhaps the team as a whole did not deserve, the fact is the WIAA has regulations to which schools and athletes must strictly adhere.
First and foremost, why Mahder's parents would falsify school documents is a very important question, considering how easy it is to legitimately enroll a student in an
alternate school.
It should also be pointed out that school administrators are also partially responsible for not realizing Mahder's parents had listed their business address.
Finally, while it is unfortunate the whole team had to suffer, people associated with the team had to have been aware of what was going on. Any players or coaches who ignored the discrepancy to allow Mahder to remain eligible are also responsible.
While some may be outraged at the consequences the Memorial team now faces, the fact is this situation endured because people associated with the school and the hockey program allowed it.
Last week, Memorial Principal Tim Leibham announced the Memorial hockey team would have to forfeit all games in which senior defenseman Shawn Mahder played, according to a Leader- Telegram article.
The WIAA and school administration deemed Mahder ineligible after it was revealed that his parents listed their business address on school documents, placing him in the Eau Claire School District for the past six years. The Mahder family actually resides in Chippewa Falls.
While the forfeiture strips the team of their conference championship, rankings for their post-game competition are still dictated by the team's original record, according to www.wisconsinprephockey.net.
While the forfeited games serve as consequences that perhaps the team as a whole did not deserve, the fact is the WIAA has regulations to which schools and athletes must strictly adhere.
First and foremost, why Mahder's parents would falsify school documents is a very important question, considering how easy it is to legitimately enroll a student in an
alternate school.
It should also be pointed out that school administrators are also partially responsible for not realizing Mahder's parents had listed their business address.
Finally, while it is unfortunate the whole team had to suffer, people associated with the team had to have been aware of what was going on. Any players or coaches who ignored the discrepancy to allow Mahder to remain eligible are also responsible.
While some may be outraged at the consequences the Memorial team now faces, the fact is this situation endured because people associated with the school and the hockey program allowed it.