IHSAA Responds to Complaint Filed by Danville Football
Source: IHSAA
DANVILLE, Ind.– The IHSAA is responding to a complaint filed by the Danville Warrior football program over the ending of last week’s sectional playoff game where Danville lost to Brebeuf.
Danville thought they had the game won in overtime, but the referees had a discussion for almost two minutes and then threw a flag on Danville. After the penalty, Brebeuf scored a touchdown and won the game on the ensuing extra point. Danville Football Coach Jayme Comer said he didn’t see a flag and in all of the chaos, it appeared the game was over and Danville had won…until they hadn’t.
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“We’ve reviewed the information. We’ll act in accordance with our own policies and guidelines. This really becomes a personnel issue for us to manage. So we won’t speak publicly as to what we’ve done, but we certainly will address things appropriately,” said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Niedig in a Thursday interview.
Niedig says the association’s rules and bylaws do not permit them to change the outcome of the game, nor do they allow the end of the game to be replayed once the call is made on the field.
“That is consistent across the country with every state athletic association. We all have a rule that an official’s decision or penalties called are final and binding,” said Niedig.
Niedig promises that the IHSAA is reviewing the situation to see what they can do to improve.
“But I do understand the disappointment and heartache that the Danville community has and I have that with every team that got beat last week,” said Niedig.
“Ultimately, we requested that the IHSAA review the officiating and how officials are selected for tournament games, the end-of-game decisions, and the administrative actions by the host site. We hope they have addressed these issues to the best of their ability and will continue to ensure a fair and balanced field of play for all participants, regardless of the sport,” said Danville Principal Dr. P.J. Hamann.
Hamann continued by saying he understands that the game cannot be changed.
“We are disappointed that the outcome of the game is not going to be changed; however, we appreciate the IHSAA’s commitment to improving the officiating and game administration. Although the end-of-game results were not changed, we remain committed to teaching our students the importance of integrity by practicing respect, commitment, and responsibility both on and off the field. We look forward to next season and are optimistic about achieving more positive outcomes in the future,” said Hamann.
Sectional play continues this Friday in Indiana.
You can listen to the full interview with Niedig below.
