The state non-profit association that oversees high school athletics and fine arts is coming down on Inglemoor High School in King County.
It's put the entire school and all its programs, including activities like drama and debate, on probation for two years as punishment for a mistake made by the girl's basketball coach last school year. According to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, he allowed one too many girls to suit up for a game on two separate occasions.
WIAA rules stipulate only 12 girls can suit up, but the association says coach John Augustavo allowed 13.
Many parents and students only found out about the penalty this week, even though a decision was made months ago.
According to Northshore School District spokesperson Leanna Albrecht, the WIAA reprimanded the school after the first offense, fining the school $500 and suspending Augustavo two games.
Albrecht said WIAA fined the school another $1,500 and suspended Augustavo another four games, in addition to placing the entire school on probation following the second offense.
Augustavo's contract was not renewed.
Albrecht says WIAA revenue from the fines goes toward training and in August the Northshore School District called in WIAA to train their coaches about the rules and regulations.
"We are committed to following WIAA rules and regulations to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for our students," Albrecht said.
Athletes at the schoo said they were just put on notice.
"They told us we had to watch what we did and we had to follow all rules," said Macie Herold, a cheerleader at Inglemoor.
Some called the WIAA's decision to put all Inglemoor activities on probation severe.
"I definitely don't think it's fair to put the whole school on probation for something the coach made a mistake on," said Maddy Askew, an Inglemoor student.
The WIAA wouldn't respond to questions about the fairness of it's decision.
The school isn't barred from any activities while on probation, but according to the WIAA handbook if Inglemoor gets in trouble again, the penalties could be increased from probation to a restriction and that could mean forfeiting contests.
According to a WIAA spokesperson, the executive board has ultimate say in that decision.
There had been concern that the Associated Student Body may be required to pay the $2,000 fine, but the district said it would find the money elsewhere.
